The Optimized Woman: Using Your Menstrual Cycle to Achieve Success and Fulfillment

by Miranda Gray

At last a book that teaches us to how to harness the power of our cyclic nature! Miranda Gray has provided us with an indispensable guide to understanding how the variable (often considered inferior) nature of women's abilities can in fact be an invaluable tool to women and society as a whole. Amy Sedgwick O.T. Reg. (Ont.), Red Tent Sisters, Toronto

Genres: Nonfiction, Health, Feminism, Womens, Self Help, Spirituality, Productivity

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Anusha Narasimhan · Rating 4 out of 5]

One thing I love about this book is that it throws a positive light on menstruation. Most materials I've read on this topic portray it in a negative way and it was refreshing to read a book that shows the good things about having periods.

Being someone who reads up on this topic a lot, I knew most of the things mentioned in this book. However, I liked the way each phase of the cycle was described, followed by a list of what abilities the phase brings, what to watch out for, strategies and challenges. Personally, I would use this as a reference guide or a self-help book.

What I didn't like about this book was the repetition. The initial chapter was trying very hard to convince people that this plan works and I found myself very bored. Also, the first three chapters had needless summaries.

This book will be useful for women who are sensitive to their menstrual cycle. Others may not benefit from it as much. I would still recommend it.

Note: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. This review is my unbiased personal opinion.

[Lucija · Rating 1 out of 5]

I usually never by this kind of books but i was in a funny place in my life and it seemed it had good enough reviews so i decided to buy it. I regret it. I would give it 5 stars if it was 100 pages shorter. It seemed like she just needed to fill out as manny pages as possible so the price can be higher.

It is actually interesting as a subject and it makes sense but there is so much repeating that i found it a robbery.

[Lucie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Better than I thought, but I'm still not convinced by expertise of the author. I mean, of course there IS something to the main thought - of women going through cycles on a monthly basis and that different levels of hormones might make them feel and act differently. Makes sense. And in pointing out this, the book is of a value as it can help women to realize and accept it, even better appreciate it, instead of being frustrated with mood swings, lower levels of energy, antisocial moods etc. What I'm completely doubtful about is all those generalizations on optimum times and detailed descriptions of what is a woman good at in that and that part of her cycle... I'm well aware that those descriptions were only meant to be examples and that they weren't supposed to fit all women perfectly, but still. I don't buy it. And a lack of references to other research doesn't help the issue.

[Ros J · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent reference for all women, particularly for those who are sensitive to hormonal changes. The book gives a different way of looking at how we deal with day to day commitments - that we are consistent in a different way. There are good ideas in the book on weaving in actions to cater to our emotional and intellectual needs, as well as important and helpful reminders and advice for different phases in the cycle.

[jaroiva · Rating 4 out of 5]

je dobré si uvědomit, že žena je prostě "náladový" tvor :), a umět s tím počítat

[Laura Clawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrible title and cover art, but I would be lying if I said that it mattered because this book was paradigm shifting for me. To embrace the changes in mood over the month as a gift and an indication of the complexity that women are able to hold within themselves - I loved that. Also, plan ahead and don't have important conversation when you're susceptible to burning things down with your words. Part of growing in maturity is knowing yourself and this is a great resource for women who want to learn more about the emotional/physiological connection and use it as a help in relationships, work, exercise, and rest . 🌑🌒🌕🌘🌑

[Klidneklara · Rating 5 out of 5]

To recognize the repetition of moods and feelings during menstrual cycle and then use it for further planning is fenomenal idea. It was lovely to take time to think about the changes and test for myself if what is in the book matches my own rythm. Suprisingly it does and it helps me to plan softly along my own needs avoiding unnecessary conflicts and missunderstandings. I would recommend this to any women who strives for improvement in her planning.

[Millamoi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is my new best friend. It has the best advice and words of encouragement to give, no matter what time of month it is.

[Heronolen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Mais qu'est-ce que je viens de lire...

Donc ce livre détaille de façon hyper détaillée, jour par jour, ce que vous devez faire ou penser en fonction de votre cycle.
Mais en fait non, parce que c'est à VOUS en fait de faire votre propre planning. Donc au final, vous n'avez pas besoin de ce livre ???

Un concentré de bullshit New Age, de charge mentale et d'injonction au bien-être et au bonheur. Lâchez-nous la grappe.

Le livre ne contient évidemment aucune étude scientifique ou "preuve". Ce ne sont que des affirmations de la part de l'autrice qui fait à la fin de la pub pour ses propres ateliers...

Bonus 1 : évidemment selon ce livre, seules les Femmes ont des cycles et toutes les Feeeemmes ont des cycles.
Bonus 2 : les 283 pages sont résumées à la fin en un chapitre de 20 pages à donner à lire aux hommes ! Pour qu'ils apprennent notamment à mieux profiter de leurs collaboratrices.
Bonus 3 : ce livre part du principe que vous travaillez dans un bureau que vous êtes hétérosexuelle cisgenre et que vous n'avez aucun loisir autre que votre réussite professionnelle. Ce livre a été sponsorisé par LinkedIn, je ne vois que ça.

[Jana · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read this book in Czech translation. Only now, after searching for the title on Goodreads, I am realizing the name was changed for the translated version. If I saw the original name before reading, it would possibly put me off just in time. It could warn me about things to come. It has that door to door salesmen tone. Very annoying!
I was trying hard to overcome my annoyance with the writing style. I did finish the book! Even re-read some sections to match it my cycle.
I really wanted to understand the monthly challenges in my body better. But this did not make me understand my cycle more. There is only one thing from this publication that I can agree with: the fact that we are all individual. Apparently, I am so individual that no other single line in the book is relatable to my cycle.
Maybe I am unusual. Or maybe not. The book shows no research or data the information stands on.
And I am very thankful it does not fit. To me, it sounds like being a terrible roller-coaster. No, thanks.

[Kailey (Luminous Libro) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book gave me some great ideas about how to deal with my cycle, allowing myself the rest I need sometimes, and taking advantage of the energy I feel at other times. I loved how there are many specific things to look for, and specific ideas to try.

I wish that there had been more of a biological explanation though, showing how the change of each hormone triggers changes in our organs, appetites, and physical attributes. It would have been nice to see how the body chemistry is changing through the cycle, and how that affects different areas of mood, energy, ability, and concentration. I felt like an entire side of the subject was left blank.

I love how positive this book is! It really encouraged me to think differently about my cycle, and to celebrate and embrace the changes my cycle brings.

I love that there are charts to fill out and lists of things to look for. This will definitely help in planning out the months to fit my abilities during each phase.

[Emma Frey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting ideas, certainly, and I'll keep them in mind throughout my menstrual cycle.

BUT. I would feel much better if I knew where Gray's claims stem from on a hormonal level. For example, "During the luteal phase, progesterone will increase, and thus your energy levels will decrease." There's a bit of biology sourcing here, but not enough to suit me. Therefore, the book comes across as a bit mystical, which is off-putting.

Still, it is interesting, and I'd recommend people give it a perusal if you happen to find it at your library.

[Milana · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book would be milion times more trustworthy if it had a good-quality research for a foundation. The lack of quotations is terrifying (to me), when I consider the author's bold generalizations. I did appreciate the book as a somewhat inspiring guide but definitely not a manual.

The other thing (and this is just my pet peeve) that infuriated me was the repetition throughout the book. Maybe, had the author used a part of her cycle when systematic thinking is emphasized, the book would've been better organized.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read for every woman! And there’s even a handy last chapter with a quick summary for the men that want to understand us better :) It might even be enough to read just that or at least if you’re not sure, try it as a sample and see if you wanna know more..

I don't think this book is perfect, there is a lot of repetition which can be helpful to remember and the introduction could have been cut shorter... Four stars would probably fit better but I will stand by the fifth one which to me represents how important the topic is and I wish more people would know.

[Veronika Andrejková · Rating 3 out of 5]

Síce som čakala od knihy viac, je určite zaujímavá. Okrem typických motivačných rečičiek ponuka aj iný pohľad na všetko, čo sa so ženou v priebehu mesiaca deje, ako je ten typický stereotypný. Snažím sa sledovať samu seba, to akú mám náladu, čo mi kedy ide viac a kedy menej a v podstate to celkom sedí. Chýbali mi možno popisy toho, čo sa v žene odohráva aj z medicínskeho prostredia. Ale inak naozaj dobrá.

[Barbora Jiřincová · Rating 3 out of 5]

Samotná myšlenka v knize je super, pokud to člověk nebude brát dogmaticky, ale upraví si ji dle svých vlastních možností a zkušeností. Kniha je zbytečně názorná, takový ten typ knihy, která se snaží být návodem na život. Samotné představení zásadní myšlenky - tedy proměnlivosti ženské osobnosti v průběhu cyklu - by stačilo na třetinu obsahu.

[Zuzana Kolouchova · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mě asi na téhle knize nejvíc vadí to, že to je nepodložený nějakými výzkumy, statistikami, vědou. Vlastně se spoustou věcí souhlasím, přijdou mi logické. Nicméně jak se v knize pořád opakuje (čímž se autorka tak trochu kryje, kdyby něco nesedělo...) každé tělo je jiné, každá žena to má jinak.
suma sumarum - jsou tam zajímavé věci k zamyšlení, ale jako bibli ženství bych to nebrala.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book in short intervals. I am not sure if I will ever finish it, not because it's bad but because I use it more as a reference.

[Hafsa Hasan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy yet powerful tool for planning work, chores, meetings, creative projects, rest and more around the monthly hormonal cycle.

[Daniela · Rating 2 out of 5]

Zaujímavý koncept, avšak mňa vôbec nechytil štýl písania. Ku knihe som sa skúšala vrátiť niekoľkokrát, napriek tomu som ju nedočítala.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm very much a "Type A" personality. I like charts and lists, and nothing makes me happier than getting to put a checkmark in a box. Therefore, my favourite part of this book was definitely the daily plan; the day-by-day breakdown of how best to utilize the hormonal energy of a particular cycle day to get the most out of productivity, goal achievement, and personal growth. I also really liked the description of creating a Cycle Dial. Again, I appreciated the cohesive look at a month's worth of insight in one place.

What I thought less successful was the explanation of each phase. I found those chapters dry and difficult to follow. I've read other books on the subject that were much better organized, more insightful and offered a more accessible look into why the cycle is so impactful. (4 Seasons in 4 Weeks is my favorite to date.) It could be that I already knew enough on the topic of working with my cycle to glaze over the explanations and impatiently want to get to the good stuff - which, for me, was the plan itself.

[Valentina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mixed feelings. It's fascinating stuff, and truly shifted my perspective on my cycle, but it also lacks citations and sources. It would be a knockout 5 stars if it had linked anecdotal (qualitative) data to medical studies (quantatative data). It's tough to buy into such a concept (at least for me) without further grounding in the science of cyclical hormonal fluctuations, which have been studied.

That being said, as a woman who is constantly seeking to optimize herself, I found this an intriguing new paradigm, and it helped validate some of my own experiences if nothing else.

I'd definitely recommend this book, but not without wanting to see a second edition with more basis in research.

[Eva Baez · Rating 2 out of 5]

Knížka má velmi zajímavé téma a velký plusový bod dávám za snahu o normalizaci menstruace. První polovině knihy bych ale nedala ani hvězdičku. Možná je to krkolomným překladem do češtiny (čtu ebook z uložto, přeložený od T. Melicharové). Možná je to otravný styl self-help knihy, ve které se jedna myšlenka rozplácne na padesát stran. A zcela určitě dávám nízké hodnocení díky úsměvným citátům anonymních žen, které jsou vloženy do textu.
Druhá polovina knihy je více k věci, zajímavý experiment, kdy každý den obsahuje konkrétní plán, na co se má žena zaměřit.
Myslím, že na toto téma existují lépe zpracované zdroje.

[Sue Blanch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miranda’s easy-to-read book clearly explains the different strengths women have at the different phases of the cycle and how to capitalise on them for a less stressed and more balanced life. She recommends actions for each phase and each day of the cycle with a very useful chapter explaining it all to men. A great choice if menstrual cycle awareness is new to you and especially good for working women. This book set me off in a whole new direction in life and I've not looked back. Highly recommended.

[Cassi · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Optimized Woman offers a new way of thinking that I found very helpful for giving myself grace throughout the month. I think every menstruating person should read this, and probably non-menstruaters too, or at least chapter 11. It's a quick read if you want - she repeats the concepts often so parts of it are skimmable. It could defiantly use a new cover, and she uses binary language - because it was written in the early 2000s. But the concepts apply to all people with menstrual cycles, and inside she encourages every person to track and learn about their own cycles. Worth a read for sure.

[Daisy L · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t read this cover to cover, more skimming and then trying to follow the 28-day plan. There doesn’t seem to be much scientific backing to the whole thing but it’s nevertheless an appealing idea, that women’s menstrual cycles means that we are “optimized” for certain types of tasks during different parts of our cycles, and that it’s better to embrace that than fight against it. I also like that it challenged me to take a more positive view of menstruation, rather than the “Ugh PMS” message that predominates our society.

[Terez Syrna · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ani neviem,ci sa vobec da tato knizka z mojej strany povazovat za precitanu,kedze posledne stranky som uz len preletela...
Mala som si vopred lepsie precitat,o com a od koho kniha je, zrejme by som nebola tak sklamana ako teraz.
Vela veci sa v knihe stale dookola opakuje,nazvy jednotlivych faz,ktore autorka pouziva,som si nezapamatala doteraz, chybaju mi tu velmi prepojenia na fyziologiu zenskeho tela,ktore by doplnili,preco sa napriklad citime tak,ako sa citime.
Za mna osobne je este aj jedna hviezdicka vela,kebyze ma kniha 30 stran,uplne by to stacilo

[Briana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was already charting my cycles scientifically when I read this book- how did I not know that I could use that charting data for my personal and professional life?!?! I feel so empowered and excited to share this information with every woman I know. This is being discussed much more often in English-speaking countries outside the US and I feel like this information could transform the American workplace, especially for corporations obsessed with productivity.

[Kristýna Kratochvílová · Rating 3 out of 5]

Prinos teto knihy hodnotim velmi kladne. Kazda z nas by mela mit povedomi o ctyrech fazich cyklu a jejich vlivu na nasi promenlivou povahu. Nekolik veci mi zapadlo. Kazdopadne cteni bylo trochu otravne, mela jsem pocit ze se autorka opakuje a ze by kniha klidne mohla byt kratsi. Nektere pasaze jsem mohla preskocit. Proto 3 hvezdy. Ale kazde zene, ktera o techto tajich dosud nevedela knihu velmi rada doporucim 🙃

[Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great context to better understand how our motivation, physical energy, emotional energy and productivity changes throughout our menstrual cycle and how we can utilise this information.

I particularly liked the section “what men need to know” which summarises all the main points in one place. If you’ve got a willing partner to read it, it gives helpful tips for how they can get the most out of the relationship depending on what optimum time they are in.