Is cycle syncing science or social media hype?

Show notes

PsychTalks Season 5, Episode 3 | Published 26 August 2026

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Is cycle syncing science or social media hype?

‘Cycle syncing’ – the idea that women can optimise their wellbeing by planning everything from workouts to work commitments around their menstrual cycles – has exploded online, especially on social media channels. But what does the science actually say?

Dr Lindsie Arthur cuts through the pop psychology hype and discusses the current research around hormones, behaviour and performance.

About Dr Lindsie Arthur

Dr Lindsie Arthur is a social psychologist with a PhD from the University of Melbourne and a Master’s in Organisational Psychology from the London School of Economics. Her research and professional experience focus on social behaviour and organisational dynamics, with a particular focus on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), sexual harassment prevention, and coercive control in organisational contexts.

Lindsie's doctoral research examined hormone-mediated social behaviour and the impact of hormonal contraceptives on interpersonal dynamics.

Transcript

Intro: This podcast was made on the lands of the Wurundjeri people, the Woi Wurrung and the Bunurong. We pay our respects to their elders, past and present, and to emerging leaders. From the University of Melbourne's School of Psychological Sciences, this is PsychTalks.