No difference in cognitive performance between phases of the menstrual cycle
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pennsylvania.
Psychoneuroendocrinology
|January 1, 1993
Summary
Cognitive performance in women showed no significant differences across menstrual cycle phases or between groups with normal cycles, oral contraceptives, or amenorrhea. Hormonal fluctuations did not impact verbal-sequential or visuospatial test results.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Endocrinology
- Psychology
Background:
- Cognitive function in women may be influenced by hormonal fluctuations.
- Previous research suggests links between estrogen levels and cognitive shifts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine cognitive performance across different phases of the menstrual cycle.
- To compare cognitive function in regularly menstruating women, women on oral contraceptives, and women with amenorrhea.
- To correlate hormone levels with neuropsychological test performance.
Main Methods:
- Neuropsychological tests assessing verbosequential and visuospatial abilities were administered.
- Serum hormone levels (LH, FSH, estradiol, progesterone) were measured.
- Three groups of women were studied: normally menstruating, on oral contraceptives, and with amenorrhea.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in cognitive performance were observed among the three groups.
- No differences in performance were found across the phases of the menstrual cycle.
- Weak correlations between gonadotropins and cognitive function were noted but require cautious interpretation.
Conclusions:
- Menstrual cycle phase and hormonal status (oral contraceptives, amenorrhea) do not appear to significantly affect verbosequential or visuospatial cognitive performance.
- Findings align with some prior studies but contradict others suggesting estrogen-related cognitive shifts.
- Further research is needed to clarify potential weak associations between hormones and cognition.
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