Visuo-perceptual task performance across the menstrual cycle in women with and without premenstrual symptoms: potential influences of estradiol and estradiol …

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Summary

This review examines how menstrual cycle phases and hormonal fluctuations influence brain function, cognitive lateralization, and behavior in women, with particular attention to methodological inconsistencies in fMRI research. For lighting and wellbeing applications, the findings highlight significant interindividual variability in hormonal responses that may complicate generalized circadian or mood-lighting interventions for women.

Key Findings

Hormonal fluctuations across the menstrual cycle produce significant variability in fMRI outcomes, including changes in cognitive lateralization and gray matter concentrations, though results are inconsistent across studies.
Two primary factors undermine reliability of findings: measurement inconsistencies in fMRI paradigms and analyses, and interindividual differences in hormonal phases and levels.
The review concludes that the current state of evidence is insufficiently reliable to draw firm conclusions about how female sex hormones alter brain structure, function, and behavior.