Survey study, 2008
Does the brain's structure change during the menstrual cycle?
Yes, parts of the brain were larger in the early menstrual phase than before the period, and memory performance was also better at this time.
What they did
MRI brain scans of 21 women at two time points: days 10-12 after the period started (follicular phase) and 1-5 days before the period (luteal phase). Measured gray matter volume and verbal memory.
What they found
The right anterior hippocampus had more gray matter in the postmenstrual phase compared to the premenstrual phase. The right basal ganglia had less gray matter in the postmenstrual phase. Verbal declarative memory was higher in the postmenstrual phase.
What it means for you
Hormones appear to change brain structure and memory performance across the menstrual cycle. This is the first human evidence extending animal findings to people. Very small study; findings need replication in larger groups.
21
women scanned
Days 10-12
follicular phase scan
1-5 days
before period scan
About the study
- Original title
- Hippocampal structural changes across the menstrual cycle
- Authors
- Protopopescu X, Butler T, Pan H et al.
- Journal
- Hippocampus
- Year
- 2008
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 21
- What was tested
- None; observational imaging study.
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1002/hipo.20468
Topics
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