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Study, 1976

Does anxiety before your period affect how clearly you speak?

No. Women spoke equally clearly at ovulation and before their period, even though anxiety is typically higher before menstruation.

Early or limited evidence 20 women

What they did

20 women read aloud at two points in their cycle: at ovulation (when anxiety is usually low and mood is best) and before their period (when anxiety is usually high).

What they found

Women read with equal fluency at both times. Their speech was just as clear before their period as at ovulation.

What it means for you

Higher anxiety before your period does not seem to affect how clearly you speak. However, the study was very small with only 20 women and only tested reading aloud. More research with larger groups is needed.

20

women

About the study

Original title
Replication of "speech fluency fluctuations during the menstrual cycle"
Authors
Silverman EM, Zimmer CH
Journal
Perceptual and motor skills
Year
1976
Study design
Study
Participants
20
What was tested
None

Topics