For the first time, scientists are observing structural, brain-wide changes related to menstruation.
A woman’s brain may change slightly every month, which is directly connected to her menstrual cycles.
It is believed both the gray and white matter in the brain increase in size as estrogen levels increase. These brain changes affect mood and behavior.
Eating protein, fruit, and vegetables during menstruation can help boost cognitive performance.
Some typical impacts of poverty, such as sleep deprivation, inconsistent housing, or malnutrition, have negative effects on brain function.
With brain development not complete until around age 25, teens combatting Period Poverty may face compounded cognitive impacts.
SOURCES:
- Dean, EB and MIT. “Poverty and Cognitive Function.” MIT Economics
- Starr, Michelle. “For the First Time, Scientists Show Structural, Brain-Wide Changes During Menstruation : ScienceAlert.” ScienceAlert, 19 Oct. 2023
- “How Menstrual Cycles Shape Women’s Memory & Brain.” Neuroscience News, 13 Oct. 2023