STRATEGIES TO TAKE HORMONAL CHANGES TO YOUR ADVANTAGE

Both men and women experience hormonal changes but it affects us differently. So in the article, we are going to explore strategies that both men and women can use to work better through these hormonal changes.

Women experience hormonal fluctuations every month, a phenomenon varying in intensity from woman to woman. Some may encounter heightened symptoms, while others may experience them to a lesser extent, and some may have the effects less severe. These fluctuations can manifest in a variety of ways; from experiencing emotional sensitivity such as the inclination to express frustration towards colleagues or feeling overwhelmed with emotions upon receiving criticism, to cognitive challenges such as experiencing mental fog leading to difficulties in recalling client names. Men also experience similar hormonal changes daily, in a much shorter and simpler cycle compared to women. In the mornings, Testosterone levels are at their peak, which contributes to feeling energized, aggressive and well-rested. However, as the day passes by, these testosterone levels gradually decrease, leading to a decline in energy and alertness by the evening. 

Want to dive deeper into this topic? Read more at the end of the article!

Scientists do not agree on the number of women affected by premenstrual syndrome as some studies show that 80% of women are affected whereas psychologist, Robyn Stein de Luc claimed in her TED talk that only 6% of women are affected by premenstrual syndrome and that it is just a myth to protect femininity. 

A period between ovulation and menstruation, an imbalance in estrogen and progesterone causes PMS in a woman.  According to Dr. Julie Holland, psychiatrist, and author of ‘Moody Bitches’, “Our mood swings and acute sensitivity can be difficult at times.” In order not to be taken for such emotional workers, the psychiatrist advocates “winning the emotional battle and using it to our advantage.” Several studies highlight the positive side of all that commotion of female hormones in women’s bodies. 

Here are some tips for women on using it to your benefit:

Be aware of how it affects you. There are many apps to help you track your cycle and monitor your symptoms like Clue or Flo. 

Pay attention to the most common effects that hormonal changes have on many women to understand how they may be affecting your behaviour. For example, a widely used app is Hormonology. There are days when you experience mind fog and that is only because of your progesterone and estrogen, others in which you do not remember names, and there are others in which you have greater ease of expression. It is important to know this so as not to attribute it to faults in your personality. 

Use the knowledge you have acquired to your advantage. According to psychiatrist Julie Holland, "The two weeks after your period you are a rock star, and they are the best times to have meetings, presentations, create strategies, while the next two, it is better that you dedicate yourself to things that They make you interact less with people and it is a good time to dedicate yourself to cleaning your email tray and tidying up.”

Look for alternatives. Women do not always have control over choosing what they do each week, so it is good to take precautionary measures to handle the effects of hormonal changes. For example, if you have to socialize during a period when you are more irritable, it helps to do a mini yoga or breathing session before socializing. Sport, although it costs you the days before and during our period, also exerts a very positive power over your moods.

Become aware of the problems you focus on. During those days when you are more irritable, psychiatrists recommend women should pay attention to what they think “because then you see problems that during other moments of the cycle matter less to you, but that it is convenient to fix or improve later.”

Women become better communicators. When women have a rise in female hormones, according to a study carried out by Pauline Maki, a psychologist at the University of Illinois, cited by the BBC, women are much better communicators and can see clearly when others feel fear. “If you can see why a person is afraid, it requires seeing others from their perspective. “When you have that ability, you can use it to your advantage in other ways, to make moral judgments or even lie.”

Women can solve problems from different angles. Another advantage is that having a different way of functioning of your brain depending on your hormones, can lead to different strategies for how to solve problems, according to Pauline Maki. "To solve a problem, we use both parts of the brain during this influx of hormones, having a more holistic point of view when solving a problem."

It is vital to understand the impact that hormonal fluctuations have on a woman’s cognitive functions, particularly in enhancing communication skills and fostering divergent problem-solving approaches. Rather than looking at your menstrual cycle as a hindrance, it pushes women to recognize its potential utility.

Here Are Some Tips For Men on Using it to Your Benefit: 

Morning Power Surge: According to society for endocrinology, In the morning, men are typically more talkative, energetic, competitive, focused, impulsive, and assertive. This period is ideal for tackling tasks that require spatial skills, such as DIY projects, competing in contests, working on solo projects, navigating maps, or assembling furniture.

Harnessing Collaborative Strength: By the afternoon, men tend to be more relaxed while still remaining driven, focused, and upbeat, though less aggressive. This makes it an opportune time for collaborative efforts, such as client meetings, brainstorming sessions with colleagues, or networking.

Embracing Tranquility and Openness: As evening approaches, men experience a significant drop in hormone levels, leading to a more passive, low-key, and agreeable demeanour. This phase is perfect for introducing new activities or ideas, as men are more receptive to novelty. It's an ideal time for leisure activities like watching a movie or catching up on reading and focusing on relaxation.

Embracing these hormonal shifts presents an opportunity to leverage them to your advantage, thereby optimizing your cognitive abilities and interpersonal effectiveness.

How are you going to handle your next cycle? 


By:                                                          
Carla De La Vega and Noopur Bangar

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