Cohort study, 2025
Does working memory change during different phases of the menstrual cycle?
Yes. Working memory for both visual and hearing tasks was significantly better during the secretory phase (days 21-25) than during the proliferative phase (days 10-14).
What they did
40 young women (mean age 23.4 years) with regular menstrual cycles completed computerized tests measuring memory for visual and auditory information. Testing was done during the proliferative phase (days 10-14) and secretory phase (days 21-25) and repeated over three consecutive cycles.
What they found
Visuospatial working memory was significantly better in the secretory phase (hit rate p = 0.006, Z score p = 0.004). Auditory working memory was also significantly better in the secretory phase (Z score p = 0.037). Results were consistent across all three cycles tested.
What it means for you
Working memory appears to improve during the secretory phase of the menstrual cycle. The main limitation is the small sample of only 40 women, all young with regular cycles, so results may not apply to women with irregular cycles or other age groups.
40
young women studied
23.4 ± 4.2
mean age in years
3
consecutive cycles tested
About the study
- Original title
- Change in auditory and visuospatial working memory with phases of menstrual cycle: A prospective study of three consecutive cycles
- Authors
- Tulsyan KK, Manna S, Ahluwalia H
- Journal
- Applied neuropsychology. Adult
- Year
- 2025
- Study design
- Cohort study
- What was tested
- Comparison of two menstrual cycle phases
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1080/23279095.2023.2279210
Topics
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