---
title: Do brain wave patterns change across the menstrual cycle? | Niyora
description: Yes. Brain wave patterns shift across the cycle. Certain waves decrease and others increase around ovulation in a pattern that suggests sharper thinking and b
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/a-systematic-review-of-resting-state-eeg-across-the-menstrual-cycle-and-its-2026/
---

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- Do brain wave patterns change across the menstrual cycle?

Systematic review, 2026

# Do brain wave patterns change across the menstrual cycle?

Yes. Brain wave patterns shift across the cycle. Certain waves decrease and others increase around ovulation in a pattern that suggests sharper thinking and better emotional well-being. These changes could help detect hormone-sensitive mood disorders.

 Strong study design

Women studied for menstrual cycle and brain wave patterns

## What they did

Systematic review of 23 studies measuring brain waves at rest across the menstrual cycle. Databases were searched through January 2025.

## What they found

Most consistent findings: alpha brain waves decrease and theta waves increase in the late follicular phase (high estradiol, low progesterone) compared to the luteal phase (lower estradiol, higher progesterone). These changes occur in frontal, parietal, and temporal areas and may reflect sharper attention, better emotional well-being, and less self-focused thinking around ovulation. Delta, beta, and gamma waves showed unclear patterns.

## What it means for you

Brain wave patterns do shift with the menstrual cycle in measurable ways. EEG might become a useful tool to track hormone-related mood changes. Research is still early.

23

studies included

2

main cycle phases compared

## About the study

Original title A systematic review of resting-state EEG across the menstrual cycle and its mental health relevance Authors García-Granados MD, Cruz-Aguilar MA, Hernández-López LE et al. Journal Archives of women's mental health Year 2026 Study design Systematic review What was tested Natural menstrual cycle phases Read the paper [doi.org/10.1007/s00737-025-01654-2](https://doi.org/10.1007/s00737-025-01654-2)

## Topics

[Menstrual cycle and mood](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-cycle-mood/)[Reproductive hormone sensitivity](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-hormone-sensitivity/)[Cognition, concentration and memory](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-cognition/)[Quality of life and daily functioning](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-quality-of-life/)

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