---
title: Do verbal and spatial abilities change during the menstrual cycle?
description: Spatial ability did not change across the cycle. Verbal working memory improved during periods of high estrogen, suggesting estrogen may enhance this type of
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/verbal-and-spatial-functions-across-the-menstrual-cycle-in-healthy-young-women-2002/
---

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- Do verbal and spatial abilities change during the menstrual cycle?

Non-randomised trial, 2002

# Do verbal and spatial abilities change during the menstrual cycle?

Spatial ability did not change across the cycle. Verbal working memory improved during periods of high estrogen, suggesting estrogen may enhance this type of verbal ability.

 Early or limited evidence

8 healthy women with regular 28-day menstrual cycles and 10 women on non-tricyclic birth control pills

## What they did

Researchers tested 8 healthy women with regular 28-day cycles four times over one cycle. They also tested 10 women on non-tricyclic birth control pills weekly over one cycle. Both groups were matched for age, handedness, and education.

## What they found

No significant difference in spatial ability was found across the cycle. Improved verbal working memory, measured by verbal span score, was associated with periods of high estrogen levels.

## What it means for you

High estrogen may help with a specific type of verbal memory. The study was very small, making results less reliable.

8

women with regular menstrual cycles

10

women on birth control pills

4

times naturally cycling women were tested

## About the study

Original title Verbal and spatial functions across the menstrual cycle in healthy young women Authors Rosenberg L, Park S Journal Psychoneuroendocrinology Year 2002 Study design Non-randomised trial What was tested Menstrual cycle phase and birth control use Read the paper [doi.org/10.1016/s0306-4530(01)00083-x](https://doi.org/10.1016/s0306-4530(01)00083-x)

## Topics

[Cognition, concentration and memory](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-cognition/)[Adolescents and young people](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-adolescents/)

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