
[239] - Understanding Circadian Rhythms and Menstrual Health in Shift Work
About this episode
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If you're a woman working shifts and struggling with irregular periods, painful cramps, mood swings, or unexplained fatigue—this episode is your wake-up call.
We’re diving into one of the most overlooked health issues in women’s wellness: how working against your natural body clock can wreak havoc on your menstrual cycle. Science is now clear—disrupted circadian rhythms caused by night shifts or rotating schedules directly impact your hormonal balance, particularly estrogen and progesterone regulation.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Why shift work throws your reproductive system off track
- How your sleep-wake cycles influence period pain, PMS, and fatigue
- What the latest research says about menstrual disorders among shift workers
- 7 FREE and practical, science-backed strategies you can start today to balance your cycle—without pills, supplements, or expensive interventions
From hormone-friendly light exposure, to optimising sleep quality, to cycle-aware nutrition—you’ll walk away with real-world tips you can integrate into your shift work lifestyle. Because you shouldn’t have to choose between your career and your health.
The best part? These small changes add up. Women around the world are taking back control of their cycles—and you can too.
 Loved this episode? Don’t keep it to yourself.
Share it with a fellow shift-working woman who needs to know her hormones aren't the problem—her scheduleÂ
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Roger Sutherland is Australia's Night Shift & Sleep Specialist and the founder of A Healthy Shift.
After more than 40 years working rotating shifts with Victoria Police, Roger now helps organisations reduce fatigue risk, improve staff wellbeing and build healthier, safer and higher-performing 24/7 workplaces through evidence-based education, circadian biology and the Shift Work Championsâ„¢ Framework.
Shift Work Championsâ„¢: https://join.ahealthyshift.com/shift-work-capability
Website: https://ahealthyshift.com.au
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roger-sutherland
Instagram: @a_healthy_shift
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Disclaimer: Roger Sutherland is not a doctor or a medical professional. Always consult a physician before implementing any strategies mentioned in this podcast. Use of this information is strictly at your own risk. Roger Sutherland will not assume any liability for direct or indirect losses or damages that may result from the use of the information contained in this podcast, including but not limited to economic loss, injury, illness, or death.
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