Psychosomatic Medicine 35:515-534 (1973)
© 1973 American Psychosomatic Society

Review Article

The Effect of Menstruation on Cognitive and Perceptual-Motor Behavior: A Review

¹ Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, California 95616

The increasing demand of women for a greater role in decision-making capacities and in professional areas raises persistent questions about the effect of menstrual cycle fluctuation on performance. A critical review of research on nonaffective correlates of the reproductive cycle is provided. The methodological problems inherent in such research, such as phase definition, determination of hormonal state, response bias, and generality of results are discussed. Studies using response measures based on self report and social behaviors indicate a behavioral decrement associated with the premenstrual and menstrual phases. Studies utilizing objective performance measures generally fail to demonstrate menstrual cycle related changes. Socially-mediated expectations are suggested as a possible basis for these contradictory findings.

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