Survey study, 2025
Do mental abilities like reaction time and attention change across the menstrual cycle?
Yes, some do. Women had faster reaction times and fewer mistakes during menstruation, but slower reactions and poorer timing skills during the luteal phase.
What they did
394 participants (105 menstruating women, 96 men, 47 using hormonal contraception) completed an online cognitive battery twice, 14 days apart. Tests measured reaction time, attention, visuospatial functions, and timing anticipation. Cycle phase was based on self-reported timing.
What they found
Menstruating women performed better during menstruation, with reaction times about 10 milliseconds faster, fewer errors, and lower variability. During the luteal phase, they had slower reaction times and poorer timing anticipation. They made more errors during the predicted ovulatory phase. Self-reported mood, cognitive, and physical symptoms were worst during menstruation.
What it means for you
Mental abilities may change across the menstrual cycle, with possible implications for sports performance and injury risk. This was observational with self-reported cycle timing, which may not be precise. No causal mechanism was tested.
105
menstruating women studied
10
milliseconds faster reaction time during menstruation
About the study
- Original title
- Attentional, anticipatory and spatial cognition fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle: Potential implications for female sport
- Authors
- Ronca F, Blodgett JM, Bruinvels G et al.
- Journal
- Neuropsychologia
- Year
- 2025
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 394
- What was tested
- None tested; observational study measuring cognitive performance
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2024.108909
Topics
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