Effects of the menstrual cycle on language and visual working memory: a pilot study

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Reproductive Endocrinology

Background:

• Menstrual cycle phases are associated with hormonal fluctuations.
• Hormonal changes may influence cognitive functions, including working memory.
• Previous research has explored these effects, but visual working memory integration is less understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of the follicle, luteal, and menstruation phases on language and visual working memory.
• To assess cognitive performance and subjective experiences across different menstrual cycle phases.

Main Methods:

• 12 female students participated in computer-based tasks assessing language and visual working memory.
• Experiments were conducted over 30 minutes during each of the three menstrual phases.
• Blood samples confirmed menstrual phase, and session order was counter-balanced.

Main Results:

• Mental workload and perceived stress were significantly higher during the luteal phase.
• The menstruation phase reported the most indefinite complaints, yet task performance remained unaffected.
• Sympathetic nerve activity appeared elevated when tasks were performed across all three phases.

Conclusions:

• Menstrual cycle phases differentially affect cognitive load and stress perception.
• While subjective complaints vary, objective task performance in working memory tasks remains relatively stable.
• Further research is needed to explore the neurophysiological underpinnings, such as sympathetic nervous system activation.