Facial symmetry detection ability changes across the menstrual cycle

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychology
• Human Physiology

Background:

• Hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle can influence cognitive functions.
• Previous research suggests potential links between the menstrual cycle and visual perception.
• Understanding these effects is crucial for fields ranging from evolutionary psychology to cognitive neuroscience.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate how different phases of the menstrual cycle affect women's ability to detect symmetry.
• To examine whether hormonal changes correlate with visual symmetry detection and preference.
• To explore the influence of menstrual cycle phase on the preference for facial symmetry.

Main Methods:

• Participants (women) completed symmetry detection and facial symmetry preference tests.
• Testing occurred during two of three menstrual cycle phases: menses, periovulatory, and luteal.
• Salivary progesterone levels were measured to correlate with hormonal changes.

Main Results:

• Facial symmetry detection was significantly better during the menses phase compared to the luteal phase.
• A trend suggested improved dot symmetry detection during the luteal phase.
• Increased salivary progesterone levels negatively correlated with facial symmetry detection scores.

Conclusions:

• Women exhibit enhanced facial symmetry detection during the menses phase and when progesterone levels are low.
• Hormonal fluctuations, particularly progesterone, appear to modulate visual symmetry detection abilities.
• Findings support hormonal and neurocognitive theories, with implications for evolutionary mate selection.