Non-randomised trial, 2008
Does stress affect memory differently depending on menstrual cycle phase?
Stress had no clear effect on how well women remembered information at any menstrual cycle phase. However, in the mid-luteal phase when progesterone is highest, there was a stronger relationship between stress hormone levels and memory.
What they did
Tested women at three different menstrual cycle phases to see whether acute stress (created by putting their hand in ice water) affected memory performance. Women learned information, had stress applied, and were tested on memory recall one week later. Researchers measured both stress hormone levels and memory performance.
What they found
Stress did not significantly affect memory recall in any menstrual cycle phase. However, the relationship between cortisol (stress hormone) and memory recall differed by phase. In the mid-luteal phase, higher cortisol was associated with better memory one week later, whereas no such relationship existed in the follicular phase. Cortisol levels were higher during the mid-luteal phase.
What it means for you
Menstrual cycle hormones affect how stress hormones relate to memory, but this did not translate to measurable changes in how much women actually remembered. The practical significance of this relationship is unclear from this small study.
3
Menstrual cycle phases tested
1 week
Time to memory test after learning
About the study
- Original title
- Menstrual cycle modulation of the relationship between cortisol and long-term memory
- Authors
- Andreano JM, Arjomandi H, Cahill L
- Journal
- Psychoneuroendocrinology
- Year
- 2008
- Study design
- Non-randomised trial
- What was tested
- Acute stress using cold water immersion
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/j.psyneuen.2008.03.009
Topics
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