---
title: Does the menstrual cycle phase affect how well you do memory tasks?
description: No, memory task performance was equally good in all cycle phases. However, the luteal phase involved higher mental stress, and the menstruation phase had more
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/effects-of-the-menstrual-cycle-on-language-and-visual-working-memory-a-pilot-2009/
---

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- Does the menstrual cycle phase affect how well you do memory tasks?

Randomised trial, 2009

# Does the menstrual cycle phase affect how well you do memory tasks?

No, memory task performance was equally good in all cycle phases. However, the luteal phase involved higher mental stress, and the menstruation phase had more complaints.

 Early or limited evidence

12 female university students

## What they did

A study where 12 female university students completed 30-minute computer-based memory tasks during their follicular, luteal, and menstruation phases. Blood samples were collected to confirm which phase they were in.

## What they found

Task performance remained good across all three phases. Mental workload was higher and stress more easily felt during the luteal phase. The most frequent complaints occurred during menstruation, but task performance was still good.

## What it means for you

Your ability to remember and process information stays the same throughout your cycle, even if you feel more stressed during the luteal phase. This is a very small pilot study and needs confirmation in larger groups.

12

female students

30 min

task duration

3 phases

follicular, luteal, menstruation

## About the study

Original title Effects of the menstrual cycle on language and visual working memory: a pilot study Authors Konishi K, Kumashiro M, Izumi H et al. Journal Industrial health Year 2009 Study design Randomised trial Participants 12 What was tested Computer-based language and visual working memory tasks during three cycle phases Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.2486/indhealth.47.560](https://doi.org/10.2486/indhealth.47.560)

## Topics

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

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