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Akinlolu, Mariam and Dimka, Nenpin (2025) Menstrual cycle health effects on productivity in male-dominated fields: a narrative review. In: CIB World Building Congress, 19th- 23rd May 2025, Indianapolis. (In Press)
While there is increasing awareness around gender diversity in construction health and safety, there is limited research examining the influence of different menstrual cycle phases on workplace productivity. Understanding the impact of the menstrual cycle on women’s health, safety, and productivity is necessary to formulate appropriate occupational policies and support systems in physically demanding work, such as construction. This narrative review synthesises existing literature examining the relationship between menstrual cycle phases and workplace productivity and discusses implications for the construction industry. The review analysed 40 peer-reviewed publications from 2008-2024, identified through systematic database searches. Findings reveal that menstrual cycle phases can influence physical and cognitive performance through multiple mechanisms, including hormonal effects on strength, endurance, memory, and emotional processing. While direct research in construction settings is limited, evidence from related fields suggests that hormonal fluctuations may affect work performance through various pathways, including changes in dopamine regulation, brain connectivity, and physical capabilities. The review identified significant gaps in current understanding, particularly regarding construction-specific impacts and long-term effects.
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