Survey study, 2018
Does the menstrual cycle affect emotions and thinking ability?
The menstrual cycle affects emotions consistently, especially in the luteal phase and stronger in women with PMDD. It has only small and inconsistent effects on cognitive tasks like memory and attention.
What they did
This is a review article that summarized findings from many methodologically sound menstrual cycle studies published over 50 years. Researchers focused on emotion-related and cognitive findings, particularly in women with PMDD and healthy women.
What they found
Emotion-related changes across the cycle are consistent and better associated with progesterone and the luteal phase than with estradiol. Women with PMDD show enhanced sensitivity to normal hormone fluctuations. Menstrual cycle differences in cognitive tasks are small and difficult to replicate.
What it means for you
The menstrual cycle has a clearer effect on mood and emotions than on thinking and brain function. Women with PMDD are particularly sensitive to hormone changes. This conclusion is based only on published studies that used good research methods, so some findings may not be captured.
50+ years
of menstrual cycle research reviewed
PMDD
shows enhanced sensitivity to hormone changes
Luteal phase
most strongly associated with emotion changes
About the study
- Original title
- The Menstrual Cycle Influences Emotion but Has Limited Effect on Cognitive Function
- Authors
- Sundström-Poromaa I
- Journal
- Vitamins and hormones
- Year
- 2018
- Study design
- Survey study
- What was tested
- None (literature review)
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/bs.vh.2018.01.016
Topics
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