The Menstrual Cycle: A Hidden Superpower Science is Just Beginning to Understand (secrets from “The Stripper Study”)
For far too long, the menstrual cycle has been misunderstood and undervalued. But what if we told you that it’s not a monthly inconvenience but an incredible superpower that can help guide you physically, emotionally, and even energetically? A fascinating study in Evolution and Human Behavior offers new insights into the menstrual cycle’s impact—not just on hormones but also on how these natural rhythms influence our lives in unexpected ways.
Researchers tracked 18 women over two months, measuring how their menstrual cycles affected their work performance as professional lap dancers. The results showed a remarkable pattern: women experienced significant shifts in energy, creativity, and even financial success during different phases of their cycle. Researchers found that during a 5 hour shift, participants earned about $335 during ovulation, $260 during luteal phase (after ovulation), and $185 during the menstrual phase. This is in contrast with participants who used hormonal contraception, showing no earnings peak during ovulation.
While the research article focused on how “attractiveness” impacted the results, my take on this study is slightly different. There is some scientific evidence that points us towards perceived attractiveness changes during the cycle, with the peak during ovulation. However, what’s more interesting to me is how the woman feels- HER perceived attractiveness, confidence, and more. I believe that has an undeniable influence on how she shows up to the workplace. Could this study be a blueprint for tapping into the body’s natural wisdom? How can we leverage what we already know (hormones and cycle timing impact how we feel) + the results of this study to shape how women work?
Your Cycle as a Source of Power and Potential
The menstrual cycle isn’t just about reproduction. It’s a dynamic process that affects every aspect of our well-being, with each phase offering unique strengths. Remember that there is no “one size fits all” approach, so if you feel differently during these phases, that’s okay! Also note that there is support available to you if you want help diving deeper with your menstrual cycle experience.
Follicular Phase (The Awakening / “Spring”)
This is the phase leading up to ovulation, just after menstruation. For most folks who menstruate, this phase last 10-14 days. As your body prepares for ovulation, energy levels rise, and so does your ability to focus and create. Thanks to your hormones, this is an ideal time for brainstorming, starting new projects, and socializing. It’s a phase of expansion and fresh ideas. Optimizing nutrition will help with the next phase of the cycle- ovulation. Make sure you are eating enough to support ovulation (don’t skip meals!).Ovulation Phase (Magnetic Energy/ “Summer”)
From my clinical perspective, Ovulation is the MAIN EVENT for the menstrual cycle. Ovulation is a release of an egg, which requires a symphony of hormonal supports, including elevated testosterone. With testosterone supporting you, this is the power phase—when communication, confidence, and charisma are at their highest. You may feel more outgoing and energized, making it a great time to collaborate, give presentations, or plan for big project launches. *this is the phase that the sex workers who participated in the study earned the most money!Luteal Phase (The Finisher/ “Autumn”)
As your body prepares for menstruation, your focus shifts inward. It’s a perfect time to tie up loose ends, complete projects, and take care of practical matters. You might notice heightened attention to detail and a desire for structure and organization. You might also notice that you have less tolerance for things in your day to day life (and I think this is OKAY!). Looking ahead to what the body is preparing to do (clean house), it makes sense why you might be evaluating what you want to keep vs. not during this phase. Use this phase to tap into discernment and get really clear about what’s serving you vs. what you’re ready to shed. This is a great time to organize & clear out any clutter that may be overwhelming or no longer needed.The late luteal phase is where things can get rocky, especially if ovulation didn’t occur (anovulatory cycle), which is the primary source of progesterone during this time. Without progesterone, or without adequate progesterone, you can feel tension, discomfort, and experience sleep disruptions. Anovulation is a common concern I see in my practice and know that there are a lot ways to support & improve it!
Menstrual Phase (Inner Wisdom / “Winter”)
If the egg released during ovulation is not fertilized, the body will start to prepare to breakdown and shed the endometrial lining.This is your body’s time to rest and renew. Energy may be lower, but intuition may be at its peak, thanks to a focus on inward wisdom. This phase invites reflection, letting go, and setting intentions for the next cycle. Treat yourself gently, eat foods that are easily digested, rest and renew for your next hormonal shift.
Real-World Evidence for Your Inner Superpower
In the study referenced above, women experienced their most productive and successful shifts during the ovulation phase—when energy and confidence naturally peak. However, women using hormonal contraception showed no such fluctuations. Whether you do or don’t use hormonal contraception, by understanding and working with these phases, we can stop fighting against our bodies and start flowing with them. Just like nature moves through cycles of growth and rest, our bodies have cycles and rhythms.
How to Harness the Power of Your Cycle
Ready to embrace your superpower? Here’s how you can work with your cycle:
Track Your Cycle: Use a journal to note how you feel during each phase. Patterns will emerge, helping you plan your life around your natural rhythms. You’ll also start to notice correlations of symptoms, if they occur, and when, during your entire month. This information is incredibly helpful for yourself and any practitioner you work with for understanding how YOU experience hormonal shifts and how to best support.
Honor Rest and Reflection: A taboo topic: Rest. We’re often told to push through discomfort & pain, and while there’s benefit to that sometimes, it’s also important to give yourself permission to rest if you need it, especially during the menstrual phase. Trust that slowing down will help you return stronger, more focused, and with more clarity.
Maximize Your High-Energy Phases: Use the follicular and ovulation phases for creative pursuits, big-picture planning, presentations, or big projects at work or in business. If you’re an entrepreneur and have even more control over your schedule, try to schedule launches, big pitches, projects and presentations during this time. And using the “stripper study” as a benchmark, consider asking for funding during this time.
Practice Self-Compassion: Each phase holds an invitation and opportunity, even if the phase feels unpleasant. Get curious with yourself to honor where you are in each phase. Track your insights and lean into how you can best support yourself with each hormonal shift. Remember that the body is always working FOR you, even if it doesn’t feel like it. Symptoms are guide posts that help us uncover what needs support, where we can adjust our approach, and how to be of greater service to ourselves.
Final Thoughts
Your menstrual cycle is an ancient source of wisdom and power, offering a roadmap for living in alignment with your natural rhythms. By embracing these cycles, you can unlock greater creativity, resilience, and balance—not just in your body but in every aspect of your life.
So, the next time you feel your body shifting, take a deep breath and listen.
You have a superpower within you, and it’s waiting to be tapped.
Read this fascinating study for yourself here: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.evolhumbehav.2007.06.002
P.S. If you’re experiencing menstrual symptoms that you want help deciphering, please reach out to schedule a connection call! I love helping women embrace who they are, up level their health (and life!), and actualize their power.