Non-randomised trial, 2002
Do verbal and spatial abilities change during the menstrual cycle?
Spatial ability did not change across the cycle. Verbal working memory improved during periods of high estrogen, suggesting estrogen may enhance this type of verbal ability.
What they did
Researchers tested 8 healthy women with regular 28-day cycles four times over one cycle. They also tested 10 women on non-tricyclic birth control pills weekly over one cycle. Both groups were matched for age, handedness, and education.
What they found
No significant difference in spatial ability was found across the cycle. Improved verbal working memory, measured by verbal span score, was associated with periods of high estrogen levels.
What it means for you
High estrogen may help with a specific type of verbal memory. The study was very small, making results less reliable.
8
women with regular menstrual cycles
10
women on birth control pills
4
times naturally cycling women were tested
About the study
- Original title
- Verbal and spatial functions across the menstrual cycle in healthy young women
- Authors
- Rosenberg L, Park S
- Journal
- Psychoneuroendocrinology
- Year
- 2002
- Study design
- Non-randomised trial
- What was tested
- Menstrual cycle phase and birth control use
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/s0306-4530(01)00083-x
Topics
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