For many women, menstruation brings a host of unpleasant symptoms, from cramps and bloating to acne and mood swings, often disrupting daily life. However, new research provides a surprising silver lining to these monthly discomforts: your period might actually enhance brain function.
A recent study, published in National Geographic and the journal Neuropsychologia, reveals that menstruation may temporarily boost cognitive abilities. Brain scans conducted during the study highlighted specific changes occurring in the brain during this time.
The Study Explained
Researchers at University College London and the Institute of Sport, Exercise & Health examined 241 women over two menstrual cycles, testing their cognitive abilities and tracking their menstrual phases using period-tracking apps. Participants completed mood scales and symptom questionnaires alongside cognitive tests designed to mimic mental processes used in team sports.
Cognitive Tests Conducted
Participants underwent several tests:
Inhibition, Attention, Reaction Time, and Accuracy Test: Women were shown smiling or winking faces and asked to press a space bar only when they saw a smiley face.
Spatial Cognition Test: Participants identified mirror images in a 3D rotation task, testing their ability to visualize tasks.
Motion Detection Test: Women clicked when two moving balls collided on a screen.
Despite feeling worse during their periods, participants showed faster reaction times and made fewer errors during this phase compared to the luteal phase, which follows ovulation and precedes menstruation.
Does Your Period Make You Smarter?
While menstruation doesn’t necessarily increase intelligence, it does cause the brain to change. Claudia Barth, the PhD student who led the study, found that the hippocampus, the brain area responsible for memory and emotion regulation, increases in size during menstruation.
Researchers conducted brain scans of one woman every few days over two menstrual cycles, noting that as estrogen levels rose, so did the size of her hippocampus. Conversely, this brain region shrank as estrogen levels fell.
Although the exact impact of these changes on cognitive function remains unclear, the enlargement of the hippocampus likely influences brain activity in some capacity.
Additional Findings
The study builds on previous sports medicine research indicating that women are more prone to sports injuries during the luteal phase. The hormonal fluctuations during this time might affect movement accuracy, contributing to a higher injury risk.
Flaminia Ronca, PhD, an associate professor at University College London, suggests that “the timing of movements might be less accurate during the luteal phase,” potentially explaining the increased injury incidence. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Making Quick Decisions
If you need to make quick decisions, you might find that your reaction times are fastest during your period. While managing menstrual symptoms can be challenging, this cognitive boost could be a small advantage.
Period Underwear: A Convenient Option
Given the potential cognitive benefits of menstruation, managing other menstrual challenges can be simplified with period underwear. This eco-friendly and convenient alternative to traditional pads and tampons has grown in popularity, with searches for “period pants” rising by 170% over the past year.
How Does Period Underwear Work?
Period underwear is designed with absorbent fabric that wicks away period blood, urine, sweat, and discharge, keeping you dry and protected. Most styles also have anti-microbial properties to prevent odors, ensuring you stay comfortable and hygienic.
Switching to period underwear might seem daunting, but many find it a game-changer. While you might need additional protection on heavier flow days, period pants can be sufficient for lighter days, offering an eco-friendly and comfortable solution.
Conclusion
Although menstruation can be a challenging time for many women, it also brings about fascinating changes in the brain that may enhance cognitive function. Coupled with modern conveniences like period underwear, managing your period can be a bit easier, allowing you to focus on the surprising benefits that come with this natural cycle.
