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Study, 1978

What happens to activity and alertness before your period?

A review of studies found that women show increased activity and alertness during the premenstrual phase, but it's unclear what changes happen in the brain.

Early or limited evidence Studies of women across the menstrual cycle

What they did

Reviewed studies of physical and psychological changes throughout the menstrual cycle, looking at three types of arousal: behavioral, body-based, and brain-based.

What they found

The premenstrual phase shows increased behavioral arousal and body arousal. What happens with brain arousal is unclear.

What it means for you

This suggests premenstrual changes involve both behavior and body activity. Researchers still don't understand brain changes. The main limitation is this reviewed other studies that may have used different methods.

About the study

Original title
Levels of arousal in the premenstrual phase
Authors
Asso D
Journal
The British journal of social and clinical psychology
Year
1978
Study design
Study
What was tested
None

Topics