--- title: Does the brain's structure change during the menstrual cycle? description: Yes, parts of the brain were larger in the early menstrual phase than before the period, and memory performance was also better at this time. url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/hippocampal-structural-changes-across-the-menstrual-cycle-2008/ --- - [Niyora](https://niyora.com/) - [Research](https://niyora.com/research/) - [Library](https://niyora.com/research/library/) - Does the brain's structure change during the menstrual cycle? Survey study, 2008 # Does the brain's structure change during the menstrual cycle? Yes, parts of the brain were larger in the early menstrual phase than before the period, and memory performance was also better at this time. Early or limited evidence 21 women ## What they did MRI brain scans of 21 women at two time points: days 10-12 after the period started (follicular phase) and 1-5 days before the period (luteal phase). Measured gray matter volume and verbal memory. ## What they found The right anterior hippocampus had more gray matter in the postmenstrual phase compared to the premenstrual phase. The right basal ganglia had less gray matter in the postmenstrual phase. Verbal declarative memory was higher in the postmenstrual phase. ## What it means for you Hormones appear to change brain structure and memory performance across the menstrual cycle. This is the first human evidence extending animal findings to people. Very small study; findings need replication in larger groups. 21 women scanned Days 10-12 follicular phase scan 1-5 days before period scan ## About the study Original title Hippocampal structural changes across the menstrual cycle Authors Protopopescu X, Butler T, Pan H et al. Journal Hippocampus Year 2008 Study design Survey study Participants 21 What was tested None; observational imaging study. Read the paper [doi.org/10.1002/hipo.20468](https://doi.org/10.1002/hipo.20468) ## Topics [Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[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 Systematic review, 2025 Does zinc supplementation help with PMS symptoms? Systematic review, 2025 Does teaching adolescent girls about their menstrual cycle and health help reduce period pain and PMS? Review, 2024 What are the most effective treatments for PMDD? Systematic review, 2024 Do SSRI antidepressants help treat PMS and PMDD? Cohort study, 2023 Are PMS symptoms linked to genetic factors for psychiatric disorders? Cohort study, 2023 Is PMDD a valid medical diagnosis? Ask AI about this page Copy prompt ChatGPT ↗ Claude ↗ Perplexity ↗ Google AI Mode ↗ Grok ↗