How the menstrual cycle influences women’s brains

Illustration by George Wylesol for The Washington Post

A recent research study published in the PLOS ONE journal has revealed that the menstrual cycle impacts women’s brains, suggesting a link between brain function and hormonal changes. The study authors performed detailed brain imaging of women at multiple stages of the menstrual cycle, finding that the volume or density of certain brain regions, which influence mood and memory, change in accordance with hormone levels. This finding highlights the importance of the menstrual cycle’s natural hormonal variations in influencing women’s emotional and cognitive well-being.

Source

Women’s Brains Change across the Menstrual Cycle, New Research ..., www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2023/11/30/women-brain-menstrual-cycle-changes/. Accessed 22 Feb. 2024.