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.
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, progesterone levels, and stress hormone levels. They 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 in dependence on the menstrual cycle phase and salivary progesterone]
- Authors
- Bazanova OM, Kondratenko AV, Kuz'minova OI et al.
- Journal
- Fiziologiia cheloveka
- Year
- 2014
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 78
- What was tested
- None - observational study tracking brain activity across cycle phases
- Read the paper
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25272704/