Danish women explore menstrual cycles with increased awareness and education

Mood swings, fatigue, bloating, and increased cravings for sweets are common experiences for women during their menstrual cycles. An increasing number of Danish women are exploring this topic, purchasing books, attending lectures, and even planning their lives around their cycles. One such woman is 33-year-old Ida Axholm, a molecular and medicinal biologist who educates young women on cycle tracking.

Ida notes that she feels a greater need for sleep during her menstruation, which she refers to as her “inner winter.” As she approaches ovulation, or her “inner spring,” she experiences a boost in energy due to rising estrogen levels. This energy peaks during ovulation, likened to “inner summer,” before transitioning into “inner autumn,” characterized by a different hormone that makes her feel more relaxed.

For instance, last year, she shifted a planned hiking trip to the Dolomites, initially intended to be an active vacation with her daughter, to a more leisurely stay at their summer house. She felt that her potential fatigue and moodiness during menstruation would detract from the experience.

Ida also prefers to negotiate for a salary during ovulation, attributing her confidence in that period to a surge in testosterone.

Her husband, who was initially skeptical about adjusting their home life around her cycle, now appreciates the insight it gives him into her needs, helping him understand when he might need to take on more household responsibilities.

Marie Lindhardt Ljubicic, a physician in the gynecology department at Rigshospitalet, emphasizes the importance of focusing on this topic, noting that while research is ongoing, many women report noticeable changes during their cycles, with 10-30% experiencing severe premenstrual syndrome (PMS) that requires medical attention.

Ida’s mission is to bring conversations about menstrual cycles to workplaces, normalizing discussions about how these cycles affect creativity and productivity. She encourages women to address issues impacting their quality of life with their employers and healthcare providers.