Gendering the Menstrual Cycle in Behavioral Neuroendocrinology

Area of Science:

• Neuroendocrinology
• Behavioral Neuroscience
• Feminist Science Studies

Background:

• The menstrual cycle is recognized as a vital sign, with research increasingly exploring its effects on brain and behavior.
• Characterizing healthy cycle-related changes is crucial for behavioral neuroendocrinology.
• Existing research often views the menstrual cycle as an isolated neurohormonal event.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically examine the operationalization of the menstrual cycle in behavioral neuroendocrinology research.
• To explore how environmental factors, particularly stress, influence cycle-related brain and behavioral changes.
• To propose a more representative conceptualization of the menstrual cycle that accounts for context and variability.

Main Methods:

• Narrative review of existing literature.
• Examination of methodological standards in menstrual cycle research.
• Introduction of alternative conceptualizations integrating environmental context and feminist/queer approaches.

Main Results:

• Current methods often treat the menstrual cycle as an acontextual phenomenon, with limitations.
• Environmental experiences, especially stress, significantly impact cycle-related brain and behavioral outcomes.
• A context-contingent operationalization is necessary to capture the menstrual cycle's variability.

Conclusions:

• A feminist/queer approach integrating gendered stress is proposed for a more representative operationalization of the menstrual cycle.
• Understanding the menstrual cycle requires considering its context-dependent nature.
• This approach can better account for the inherent variability in cycle-related effects.