Changes in well-being but not in spatial ability across the menstrual cycle

Abstract

Several cognitive abilities and well-being vary during the female menstrual cycle. Inconsistent data are available regarding spatial abilities. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of menstrual cycle on spatial abilities and general well-being in young healthy women. Ten young female teenagers were tested twice during their menstrual cycle. Higher well-being during the periovulatory phase was confirmed. No effect of the menstrual cycle on mental rotation or spatial visualization in healthy premenopausal women was found. Further studies are needed to uncover the cause of inconsistencies in the published literature.

Keywords:

• menstrual cycle
• mental rotation
• spatial visualization
• ovulation
• menstruation

Acknowledgments

The authors thank all volunteers who participated in the study. This project was supported by grant VEGA 1/0502/10.