---
title: Do brain wave patterns change at different times of the menstrual cycle?
description: Yes, brain wave patterns changed significantly across the menstrual cycle. The luteal phase (second half) showed the strongest overall brain wave activity, wh
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/eeg-alpha-indices-depending-on-the-menstrual-cycle-phase-and-salivary-2014/
---

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- Do brain wave patterns change at different times of the menstrual cycle?

Survey study, 2014

# Do brain wave patterns change at different times of the menstrual cycle?

Yes, brain wave patterns changed significantly across the menstrual cycle. The luteal phase (second half) showed the strongest overall brain wave activity, while the follicular phase (first half) showed a different type of brain activation.

 Early or limited evidence

78 women aged 18 to 27 followed during one or two menstrual cycles

## What they did

Researchers followed 78 women aged 18 to 27 for one or two menstrual cycles. Every 2 to 3 days, they measured brain waves, body temperature, and progesterone levels. They also recorded brain activity while women rested and while doing thinking tasks.

## What they found

Brain wave patterns differed across all five phases of the menstrual cycle. The luteal phase showed the strongest peak frequency, widest frequency band, and highest power in alpha-2 waves. The follicular phase showed highest power in alpha-1 waves and greatest brain activation during thinking tasks. Progesterone levels were linked to these brain wave changes.

## What it means for you

Brain activity varies in predictable ways across the menstrual cycle that match progesterone changes. When researchers measure brain activity in women, they need to account for which cycle phase the woman is in. The study only included young women and was done in a research lab, so findings may not apply to all groups.

78

women studied

18-27

age range in years

every 2-3 days

measurement frequency

## About the study

Original title EEG alpha indices depending on the menstrual cycle phase and salivary progesterone level Authors Olga Mikhailovna Bazanova, A. V. Kondratenko, О. И. Кузьминова et al. Journal Human Physiology Year 2014 Study design Survey study Participants 78 What was tested None - observational study tracking brain activity across cycle phases Read the paper [doi.org/10.1134/s0362119714020030](https://doi.org/10.1134/s0362119714020030)

## Topics

[Cognition, concentration and memory](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-cognition/)

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