Non-randomised trial, 2008
Does verbal memory change during different phases of the menstrual cycle or with oral contraceptives?
Verbal memory did not change across the natural menstrual cycle, but women taking oral contraceptives showed better verbal memory during the active pill phase. The effect on memory does not match how natural estrogen levels change.
What they did
Researchers tested 16 naturally cycling women twice (early follicular days 2-4 and mid-luteal days 20-22) and 20 oral contraceptive users on the same days. They measured verbal memory using the California Verbal Learning Test and other cognitive functions.
What they found
Naturally cycling women showed no changes in verbal memory across the cycle. Women using oral contraceptives showed enhanced memory during the active pill phase (p<.05). None of the other cognitive measures changed with cycle phase or oral contraceptive use.
What it means for you
Oral contraceptives affect verbal memory in ways that do not match natural hormone fluctuations. The study was small with only two test points per woman, making it less reliable.
16
naturally cycling women
20
women on oral contraceptives
p<.05
significance for better memory in active pill phase
About the study
- Original title
- Effects of menstrual cycle phase and oral contraceptive use on verbal memory
- Authors
- Mordecai KL, Rubin LH, Maki PM
- Journal
- Hormones and behavior
- Year
- 2008
- Study design
- Non-randomised trial
- Participants
- 16
- What was tested
- Menstrual cycle phase and oral contraceptive use
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/j.yhbeh.2008.03.006
Topics
Related studies
Review, 2025
How does progesterone affect mood and brain function?
Cohort study, 2010
How do anxiety disorders differ across different life stages?
Survey study, 2001
How do steroid hormones affect the brain and cause symptoms?
Cohort study, 2025
Are irregular menstrual cycles linked to lower thinking and memory skills in middle-aged women?
Review, 2024
What are the most effective treatments for PMDD?
Review, 2017
What causes PMDD and what are the best treatments?