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For female athletes, the impact of the menstrual cycle on physical performance has been a topic of much discussion. But what about the mental side of the game? A groundbreaking new study suggests that certain cognitive abilities, particularly those related to spatial awareness and anticipation, may indeed ebb and flow with a woman's cycle.
The findings, in a nutshell
Researchers from University College London tested nearly 400 participants on a battery of online cognitive tasks designed to measure reaction times, attention, visuospatial functions (like 3D mental rotation), and timing anticipation. The study, published in Neuropsychologia, included men, women on hormonal contraception, and naturally cycling women.
Fascinatingly, the naturally cycling women exhibited better overall cognitive performance during menstruation compared to any other phase of their cycle. This held true even though these women reported poorer mood and more physical symptoms during their period. In contrast, performance dipped during the late follicular phase (just before ovulation) and the luteal phase (after ovulation).
“What is surprising is that the participant’s performance was better when they were on their period, which challenges what women, and perhaps society more generally, assume about their abilities at this particular time of the month,” says Dr. Flaminia Ronca, first author of the study from UCL, in a university release.
“I hope that this will provide the basis for positive conversations between coaches and athletes about perceptions and performance: how we feel doesn’t always reflect how we perform.”
Methodology
- 394 participants completed online cognitive tests twice, 14 days apart
- After exclusions, 241 were included in the final analysis: 96 men, 47 women on contraception, 105 naturally cycling women
- Participants also completed a mood scale and symptom questionnaire
- Composite scores for Errors, Reaction Time, and Variability were generated from cognitive test battery
- Sporting frequency and expertise information was also collected
Key Results
- No overall performance differences between men, women on contraception, and cycling women
- But within cycling women, best scores seen during menstruation: faster reaction times, fewer errors, less variability
- Worst performance in late follicular phase (more errors) and luteal phase (slower reaction times, worse timing anticipation)
- Mood and symptoms were worse during menstruation despite better cognition
Study Limitations
- Menstrual phases estimated based on self-report, not confirmed via hormone levels
- Online testing means less control over the testing environment
- Study slightly underpowered for certain phase analyses
- High variability in data cautions against generalizing findings to all women
Takeaways from the study
This study provides compelling preliminary evidence that sport-relevant cognitive skills may indeed fluctuate across the menstrual cycle, with a surprising boost during menstruation itself. If confirmed in future studies, this could have implications for understanding injury risk and optimizing mental training in female athletes.
Importantly, there was a striking mismatch between women's perceptions and their actual performance. Many felt their thinking was impaired during their period when, in fact, it was enhanced. This points to the power of negative expectations and the importance of educating athletes about their unique physiology.
Of course, every woman's cycle is different, and broad conclusions can't be drawn from one study. But this research opens an important door, highlighting the need to consider the menstrual cycle as a factor not just in physical conditioning, but in cognitive sports training as well. As we continue to support women in reaching their full athletic potential, this holistic approach may prove key.
“There’s lots of anecdotal evidence from women that they might feel clumsy just before ovulation, for example, which is supported by our findings here. My hope is that if women understand how their brains and bodies change during the month, it will help them to adapt,” concludes Dr. Megan Lowery, an author of the study from UCL Surgery & Interventional Science and The Institute of Sport Exercise & Health.
EdNews Editor-in-Chief Steve Fink contributed to this report.
