New national research reveals lack of knowledge on menstrual cycle and the impact it has on nutrition and exercise

• 60% admitted to having limited or no knowledge about the hormonal fluctuations that occur during each menstrual cycle phase
• 71% of Australian women said they want to learn more about how to synchronise their lifestyle with their menstrual cycle.
• Only 9% of respondents feel they have a strong understanding of how to sync their lifestyle with their menstrual cycle

New research released today has uncovered a significant knowledge gap among Australian women regarding the phases of their menstrual cycles and how hormones throughout each phase impacts metabolism, energy levels and mood differently.

The research commissioned by Find Your Rhythm – Australia’s 1st cycle syncing wellbeing and weight loss app – has found that 71% of Australian women said they want to learn more about how to synchronise their lifestyle with their menstrual cycle, while only 9% feel they have a strong understanding of cycle syncing.

Rebecca Bell, Hub Lead - Medibank Health Ventures, which founded Find Your Rhythm, says your menstrual cycle can be your ally, not your obstacle, when it comes to leading a healthy lifestyle and further education and resources are required.

“Our research unveiled a common truth: many women feel that their menstrual cycle can make it challenging to establish and maintain a healthy routine. With the Find Your Rhythm app, we're on a mission to make wellness an easier journey by helping women harmonise their eating habits and workouts with the unique rhythm of their menstrual cycle,” she said.

“Cycle syncing is a new health and wellness practice that involves aligning dietary choices and exercise routines with the natural rhythms of the menstrual cycle. It can help women develop a deeper understanding of their bodies and offers potential benefits for overall wellbeing and weight loss.

“For example, during ovulation women feel most energised and estrogen levels suppress appetite, so it’s the perfect time to focus on weight loss and high intensity workouts. While in the luteal phase, just before menstruation, the metabolism increases and naturally so do cravings, so it’s okay to eat a little more.

“We want to empower women with the knowledge and resources they need to navigate the different phases of their menstrual cycles and help make it easier to create and maintain healthy habits.”

The research found:

• Only 39% of respondents believe they have a strong grasp of the various menstrual cycle phases.
• 60% admitted to having limited or no knowledge about the hormonal fluctuations that occur during each menstrual cycle phase, and how these fluctuations can directly affect their metabolism, energy levels, and mood.
• 71% of Australian women said they want to learn more about how to synchronise their lifestyle with their menstrual cycle.
• 81% of Australian women acknowledged that their menstrual cycle significantly affects their ability to establish and maintain a healthy routine.
• A resounding 82% of respondents believe that there is an inadequate level of education and awareness regarding menstrual cycles and its impact.
• 71% of Australian women admitted they want to learn more about how to synchronise their lifestyle with their menstrual cycle.
• more than two thirds of those surveyed (67%) confessed that they don't consider their hormones and menstrual cycle when planning their meals and exercise.
• The primary barriers to adopting cycle syncing practices include a lack of information or understanding (50%), a lack of awareness about the benefits (25%) and time constraints (15%).
• only 33% of those surveyed consider their hormones and menstrual cycle when planning their meals and exercise routine, though an impressive 96% reported experiencing improved mood, empowerment, and enhanced health control when they did.
• 60% of Australian women remain unaware of the concept of cycle syncing, with only 9% feeling they have a strong understanding of it.

The Find Your Rhythm app uses emerging hormonal science and a very savvy algorithm to help users tune into their menstrual cycle, also known as cycle syncing.

The Find Your Rhythm app is available for download now from the Apple app store.

This app is not suitable for someone who does not have a regular menstrual cycle, those on hormonal contraception or someone who is currently pregnant or breastfeeding. Always consult with a medical practitioner before starting any health and wellbeing or weight loss journey.

To learn more visit www.findyourrhythm.com.au or @findyour.rhythm on Instagram.