Menstruation: Is It Messing With Your Brain Functioning?

Menstruation is often synonymous with mood swings, cramps, acne, fatigue, weight fluctuation, and a plethora of emotions. A common belief is that the associated forgetfulness or “brain fog” during our monthlies can be blamed on menstruation, too. However, a recent study published in Frontiers in Behavioural Neuroscience found that there is no direct link. In fact, according to scientists, a woman’s menstrual period and her ability to think clearly are not related. Other possibilities need to be explored regarding the inability to think straight.

Menstruation And Brain Fog

Although there may be individual exceptions, the overall consensus is that hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle do not generally affect women’s cognitive performance. One of the main reasons for brain fog, however, is sleep and stress. Brain fog, also known as cognitive dysfunction, can be caused by sleep apnea. Insomnia and Narcolepsy can also cause Brain Fog, but it is not limited to sleep apnea. Studies suggest that the main cause of memory problems is hypoxemia (the deficient oxygenation of the blood).

What is Brain Fog?

Brain fog, also commonly known as brain fatigue, is a mild to severe episode of mental confusion that can strike without warning. When it occurs, it is common to experience a lack of focus, poor memory recall, and reduced mental acuity.

Hormones and How Women Function

Studies have, however, suggested that when hormones such as oestrogen and progesterone are low, women perform better on visual and spatial tasks. In contrast, verbal tasks were performed better when oestrogen and progesterone levels were higher.

Studies and cognitive tests are ongoing to better understand how the reproductive cycle affects women’s brains. For now, you will just have to stop blaming Mother Nature for your foggy thinking and start looking into other possible causes.