--- title: Does the menstrual cycle affect thinking, memory, or concentration, especially in women with PMS or PMDD? description: Research has produced mixed results with no clear consistent findings. It remains unclear whether any cognitive changes come from hormonal changes or from moo url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/cognition-the-menstrual-cycle-and-premenstrual-disorders-a-review-2020/ --- - [Niyora](https://niyora.com/) - [Research](https://niyora.com/research/) - [Library](https://niyora.com/research/library/) - Does the menstrual cycle affect thinking, memory, or concentration, especially in women with PMS or PMDD? Survey study, 2020 # Does the menstrual cycle affect thinking, memory, or concentration, especially in women with PMS or PMDD? Research has produced mixed results with no clear consistent findings. It remains unclear whether any cognitive changes come from hormonal changes or from mood and psychological symptoms of PMS and PMDD. Early or limited evidence This is a literature review, not a study of people. It reviewed research on cognitive functioning and the menstrual cycle. ## What they did Narrative literature review of studies on cognitive functioning (thinking, memory, concentration) across the menstrual cycle, with particular focus on women with premenstrual disorders including PMS and PMDD. ## What they found There is a lack of consistent findings regarding how the menstrual cycle affects cognitive functioning. Most studies measured blood estrogen levels but did not measure progesterone. Cognitive research in premenstrual disorders is in its early stages. It remains unclear whether observed cognitive problems are caused by hormone dysregulation directly or result from negative mood and psychological symptoms. ## What it means for you We do not yet have clear answers about how your menstrual cycle affects your thinking and memory, especially if you have PMS or PMDD. Future research needs to measure more hormones and clarify whether cognitive effects come directly from hormones or from mood symptoms. This is a review of other studies, not new research. ## About the study Original title Cognition, The Menstrual Cycle, and Premenstrual Disorders: A Review Authors Le J, Thomas N, Gurvich C Journal Brain sciences Year 2020 Study design Survey study Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.3390/brainsci10040198](https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci10040198) Original abstract Sex hormones, such as estrogens, progesterone, and testosterone, have a significant influence on brain, behavior, and cognitive functioning. The menstrual cycle has been a convenient model to examine how subtle fluctuations of these hormones can relate to emotional and cognitive functioning. The aim of the current paper is to provide a narrative review of studies investigating cognitive functioning in association with the menstrual cycle in biological females, with a focus on studies that have investigated cognitive functioning across the menstrual cycle in females with premenstrual mood disorders, such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). In line with previous reviews, the current review concluded that there is a lack of consistent findings regarding cognitive functioning across the menstrual cycle. Most studies focused on changes in levels of blood estrogen, and neglected to explore the role of other hormones, such as progesterone, on cognitive functioning. Cognitive research involving premenstrual disorders is in its infancy, and it remains unclear whether any cognitive disturbances that are identified may be attributed to negative experience of mood and psychological symptoms or be a more direct effect of hormonal dysregulation or sensitivity. Suggestions for future research are provided. Reproduced under CC-BY. ## Topics [Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[Menstrual cycle and mood](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-cycle-mood/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[Cognition, concentration and memory](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-cognition/) Research tells you what helps on average. Niyora helps on the day it hits. Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor. ## Related studies Survey study, 2020 What symptoms best predict whether PMDD will seriously affect daily life? Review, 2015 What do we know about PMS and PMDD and how are they treated? Review, 2013 What treatments work best for PMDD? Survey study, 2026 Are PMS and PMDD the same condition or are they different? Randomised trial, 2025 Does escitalopram improve attention and reduce impulsivity in women with premenstrual irritability and anger? Case-control study, 2023 Do emotion regulation strategies help women with PMDD manage mood and stress hormones? Ask AI about this page Copy prompt ChatGPT ↗ Claude ↗ Perplexity ↗ Google AI Mode ↗ Grok ↗