International Journal of Physiology

To assess the status of cognitive function across the different phases of menstrual cycle and to empirically evaluate the role of hormones and their interaction among young healthy women.

60 Subjects who ranged in age between 17 to 25 years were tested three times:

(a) Menstrual phase (MF) (b) Mid-luteal phase (ML) and (c) Ovulatory phase (O phase). The O phase was included to differentiate between the independent influences of estrogen and progesterone on cognitive function. To confirm the date of ovulation, ELISA-based LH urinary strips were used. The tests were administered usually in a single sitting of 60–90 min duration. Assessment of verbal, visual and working memory were carried out with Rey's Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT), Rey's complex figure test (CFT) and Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS)-digit and spatial span respectively.

Highly significant statistical difference in scores of RAVLT-Total score, RAVLT-Average-score, RAVLT-Immediate recall & RAVLT-delayed recall when Menstrual phase, Ovulatory phase and Mid-luteal phase of menstrual cycle were analysed using Repeated Measure ANOVA. Similar observation was made in case of CFT-Copy, CFT-3minutes, CFT-30minute, Spatial span backward, digit span forward and digit span backward.

After analysing our result and comparing it with the work of the other researchers we the authors are of conclusion that it will be premature to comment upon the type of influences the hormone play on cognitive function across the menstrual cycle. We need further in-depth analysis using amalgam of recent as well as old techniques of evaluating cognitive function to come upon any conclusion.