---
title: Are there differences in how the brain processes language during different parts of the menstrual cycle?
description: In women who experience worse mood before their period, the brain processes language differently and they perceive fewer positive words in the premenstrual ph
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/neuropsychological-correlates-of-menstrual-mood-changes-1989/
---

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- Are there differences in how the brain processes language during different parts of the menstrual cycle?

Study, 1989

# Are there differences in how the brain processes language during different parts of the menstrual cycle?

In women who experience worse mood before their period, the brain processes language differently and they perceive fewer positive words in the premenstrual phase compared to the follicular phase.

 Early or limited evidence

Women across their menstrual cycles (sample size not provided)

## What they did

Compared how women's brains responded to language presented through headphones in the premenstrual versus follicular phases of their cycles. Also tracked women's mood over three months.

## What they found

Women who reported more sadness before their period showed differences in how their brain processed language sounds. These same women also reported hearing fewer positive words in the premenstrual phase compared to the follicular phase.

## What it means for you

There may be biological differences in how the brain works during different cycle phases in women who experience premenstrual mood changes. The abstract does not tell us how many women were studied, how strong these differences are, or whether they matter in everyday life.

3

months of mood tracking

## About the study

Original title Neuropsychological correlates of menstrual mood changes Authors Altemus M, Wexler BE, Boulis N Journal Psychosomatic medicine Year 1989 Study design Study What was tested None - observation of natural cycle phases Read the paper [doi.org/10.1097/00006842-198905000-00007](https://doi.org/10.1097/00006842-198905000-00007)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Menstrual cycle and mood](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-cycle-mood/)

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Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor.

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Case-control study, 2026

Do women with PMS handle emotions differently at different times of the cycle?

Survey study, 2025

Does PMDD or PMS affect quality of life?

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