How does menstruation affect cognitive competence and psychophysiological response?

Studies of the effect of the menstrual cycle on standardized cognitive tasks, work and academic performance, perceptual-motor performance, and psychophysiological measures are reviewed. The weight of the evidence argues against a menstrual cycle effect on behavior. Studies of self report and of behaviors reflecting self confidence suggest that beliefs of menstrual debilitation remain in the population. Studies of atypical and deviant groups indicate a possible connection between behavior and the menstrual cycle.