Systematic review, 2026
Do brain wave patterns change across the menstrual cycle?
Yes. Brain wave patterns shift across the cycle. Certain waves decrease and others increase around ovulation in a pattern that suggests sharper thinking and better emotional well-being. These changes could help detect hormone-sensitive mood disorders.
What they did
Systematic review of 23 studies measuring brain waves at rest across the menstrual cycle. Databases were searched through January 2025.
What they found
Most consistent findings: alpha brain waves decrease and theta waves increase in the late follicular phase (high estradiol, low progesterone) compared to the luteal phase (lower estradiol, higher progesterone). These changes occur in frontal, parietal, and temporal areas and may reflect sharper attention, better emotional well-being, and less self-focused thinking around ovulation. Delta, beta, and gamma waves showed unclear patterns.
What it means for you
Brain wave patterns do shift with the menstrual cycle in measurable ways. EEG might become a useful tool to track hormone-related mood changes. Research is still early.
23
studies included
2
main cycle phases compared
About the study
- Original title
- A systematic review of resting-state EEG across the menstrual cycle and its mental health relevance
- Authors
- García-Granados MD, Cruz-Aguilar MA, Hernández-López LE et al.
- Journal
- Archives of women's mental health
- Year
- 2026
- Study design
- Systematic review
- What was tested
- Natural menstrual cycle phases
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1007/s00737-025-01654-2
Topics
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