--- title: Does the ability to move eyes quickly change across the menstrual cycle? description: Yes. Eye movements were significantly slower during the luteal phase (the second half of the cycle) compared to the follicular phase (the first half). This su url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/peak-saccadic-eye-velocity-across-menstrual-phases-in-naturally-cycling-women-a-2020/ --- - [Niyora](https://niyora.com/) - [Research](https://niyora.com/research/) - [Library](https://niyora.com/research/library/) - Does the ability to move eyes quickly change across the menstrual cycle? Survey study, 2020 # Does the ability to move eyes quickly change across the menstrual cycle? Yes. Eye movements were significantly slower during the luteal phase (the second half of the cycle) compared to the follicular phase (the first half). This suggests hormone changes affect brain chemistry linked to mood disorders. Early or limited evidence 7 naturally cycling women ## What they did This pilot study monitored 7 women across two menstrual cycles. Researchers measured how quickly and precisely the women could move their eyes in specific patterns during both the luteal phase (after ovulation) and the follicular phase (before ovulation). ## What they found Peak saccadic eye velocity (how fast the eye can move) was significantly slower during the luteal phase than during the follicular phase. ## What it means for you Changes in eye movement speed across the cycle may measure how hormones affect brain chemistry (specifically GABA receptors) linked to mood changes and PMDD. This is an early finding from a very small pilot study, so much more research is needed to confirm it and understand what it means for people with PMS or PMDD. 7 women in final analysis 2 menstrual cycles monitored per woman ## About the study Original title Peak saccadic eye velocity across menstrual phases in naturally cycling women; A pilot study Authors Giddey T, Thomas N, Hudaib AR et al. Journal Comprehensive psychoneuroendocrinology Year 2020 Study design Survey study Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.1016/j.cpnec.2020.100009](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpnec.2020.100009) Original abstract Peak saccadic eye velocity (pSEV) has been investigated in studies that characterise the pathophysiology of menstrual cycle related mood disorders, such as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). pSEV is a stable and sensitive measure of gamma-aminobutyric acid A (GABA A ) receptor function. Dysregulation of the GABA pathway has been associated with the onset of PMDD. Despite a growing number of studies utilising pSEV as an outcome measure in interventional drug studies for menstrual cycle related mood disorders, there are no reported studies that have investigated whether pSEV is sensitive to hormone fluctuations across the natural menstrual cycle. To address this gap, this pilot study aimed to characterise pSEV in women across the menstrual cycle. Participants were monitored across two menstrual cycles and saccadic eye movements were measured in both luteal and follicular phases. Seven participants completed the full study and were included in the final analysis. Results revealed luteal phase pSEV was significantly less than follicular phase pSEV. This finding is novel and forms a stepping-stone for further understanding the associations between menstrual hormone profiles and GABA A receptors. Reproduced under CC-BY. ## Topics [Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[Menstrual cycle and mood](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-cycle-mood/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[Neurosteroids (allopregnanolone)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-neurosteroids/) Research tells you what helps on average. Niyora helps on the day it hits. Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor. ## Related studies Systematic review, 2026 Why do some women experience mood changes linked to their menstrual cycle? Survey study, 2022 What causes PMS and PMDD and what new treatments are being studied? Study, 2026 What treatments work for PMDD? Review, 2025 How do hormone changes across the menstrual cycle affect mood and behavior in psychiatric disorders? Randomised trial, 2024 Does sertraline change brain chemicals in people with PMDD, and does this relate to symptom improvement? Case-control study, 2022 Are differences in emotional brain activity in women with PMDD related to progesterone-derived neurosteroids? Ask AI about this page Copy prompt ChatGPT ↗ Claude ↗ Perplexity ↗ Google AI Mode ↗ Grok ↗