Lab study, 2001
Does spatial memory change across the menstrual cycle?
Yes. In female rhesus monkeys, spatial memory is better during low-estrogen phases (follicular and luteal) compared to high-estrogen phases (around ovulation).
What they did
Four young female rhesus monkeys (ages 5-7 years) were tested daily throughout one complete menstrual cycle on three computer-based memory tasks: two matching-to-sample tests and one spatial recognition test. Blood samples were drawn at specific times to measure estradiol and progesterone levels to identify cycle phase.
What they found
Scores on spatial recognition memory were significantly better during follicular and luteal phases (when estradiol was low) compared to the peri-ovulatory phase (when estradiol was high). One of the matching-to-sample tests showed a trend in the same direction but was not a clear difference. The other matching-to-sample test showed no changes related to hormone levels.
What it means for you
This study in monkeys suggests that estradiol may affect how well spatial memory works across the menstrual cycle, with lower hormone levels being better for this type of thinking. However, because this was done in monkeys (not women) and tested only one specific type of memory, we don't know if these findings apply directly to women. The very small sample size is a major limitation.
4
monkeys studied
3
memory tasks tested
5-7
age range of monkeys in years
About the study
- Original title
- Fluctuations in spatial recognition memory across the menstrual cycle in female rhesus monkeys
- Authors
- Lacreuse A, Verreault M, Herndon JG
- Journal
- Psychoneuroendocrinology
- Year
- 2001
- Study design
- Lab study
- What was tested
- None
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/s0306-4530(01)00017-8