by Bob Yirka , Medical Xpress
Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain
Business analysts from the University of Melbourne, in Australia, the Nanyang Technological University, in Singapore, and Olin Business School, in the U.S., report evidence showing that women do not experience changes to their cognitive abilities during their menstrual cycle.
In their study published in PLOS ONE, Daisung Jang, Jack Zhang, and Hillary Anger Elfenbein conducted a meta-analysis of data from more than 100 studies related to the impact of the menstrual cycle on women.
Over many years, myths, myths and speculation regarding the impact a woman’s menstrual cycle may have on her mental state have arisen, with many becoming lore. Many such beliefs suggest that women lose some of their cognitive abilities during the time when they are menstruating.
More recently, studies have explored whether such beliefs are true, but the results have been mixed. In this new effort, the researchers attempted to find the answer in a meta-analysis of studies conducted over the past several years.
The researchers analyzed 102 studies that involved, in part, giving 3,943 women cognitive tests during different parts of their menstrual cycles and then reporting the results. They note that the work was complicated by the fact that many of the studies included few test subjects and many instances of self-reporting. They also note that there were discrepancies in definitions of cycle phases and thus data ranges.
Despite the difficulties encountered in making comparisons across studies, the researchers found no evidence of changes to cognitive ability in any of the women during any part of their menstrual cycle. They also were unable to find any evidence of the menstrual cycle impacting a woman’s ability to perform intellectual activities.
The findings could finally put to rest such misconceptions and rid women of the burden of having to prove themselves, at least in this context.
More information: Daisung Jang et al, Menstrual cycle effects on cognitive performance: A meta-analysis, PLOS ONE (2025). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0318576
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