A new study by researchers from University College London (UCL) found that while women’s cognitive test performance peaked during ovulation, the most significant factor influencing brain function was their level of physical activity. Published in Sports Medicine Open, the research examined how different phases of the menstrual cycle and varying physical activity levels affected cognitive skills such as timing, attention, and reaction time — all crucial in sports and daily life. How Does the Menstrual Cycle Change a Woman’s Body?The research team tracked 54 naturally menstruating women (aged 18–40) across the four main phases of their cycle. The participants were divided into four groups based on activity level: Inactive, recreationally active, club-level competitors, and elite athletes. The study confirmed that reaction times were fastest, and errors were fewest on the day of ovulation—when fertility is at its peak. As lead author Dr. Flaminia Ronca noted, participants reacted about 30 milliseconds faster during ovulation compared to the mid-luteal phase (before menstruation). On the other hand, reaction times were slowest during the mid-luteal phase, which researchers attribute to increased levels of the hormone progesterone, known to slow brain processing. Interestingly, while the late follicular phase, which is the phase just after the period, saw more errors, and participants felt their performance was impaired during menstruation, their actual test results did not show a decline.Who Benefitted the Most During the Ovulation Phase?Despite the measurable fluctuations tied to the menstrual cycle, the difference in cognitive performance between active and inactive women was far greater and more impactful. Inactive participants had reaction times that were about 70 milliseconds slower on average than active participants.They also made approximately three times as many impulsive errors as their active counterparts, regardless of the cycle phase.According to the researchers, a 20-millisecond difference in reaction time can be critical in elite sports, potentially determining whether an athlete sustains a collision injury. However, the much larger 70-millisecond gap observed between active and inactive groups is far more significant for daily life—as Dr. Ronca pointed out, this much time can determine whether someone successfully regains their balance after tripping. What Are The Four Phases of the Menstrual Cycle? Menses' Phase This is your period, starting on Day 1. The thick lining of the uterus sheds through the vagina because pregnancy hasn't happened. Bleeding typically lasts three to seven days. Follicular Phase Estrogen rises, causing the uterine lining to thicken again. Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) helps a follicle in the ovary grow a fully mature egg (ovum), preparing it for release. Ovulation Around Day 14, a surge in Luteinizing Hormone (LH) triggers the release of the mature egg from the ovary. The egg then begins its journey down the fallopian tube. Luteal Phase Progesterone increases to prepare the uterus lining for a possible pregnancy. If the egg is not fertilized, hormone levels drop, causing the lining to shed, which starts the cycle over again. How Are Athletes Affected By the Menstrual Cycle?The findings have major implications, particularly in women's sports where previous research has suggested a link between injury rates and cycle phases. These cognitive changes may partially explain that phenomenon. However, the main takeaway emphasizes the power of physical activity. As Dr. Ronca concluded, incorporating recreational exercise into one's life is crucial. The activity "doesn't have to be that intense or competitive to make a difference," and even 15 minutes of moderate activity, like a brisk walk, is enough to improve mood and cognitive performance. This finding highlights a factor in brain function that is directly within a person's control.
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