Sharper and smarter: Studies reveal women’s monthly cycle can be time to shine

You’re not imagining it, being on your period really does affect your brain — just not in the way most would expect.

While many blame forgetfulness and clumsiness on ‘period brain’, a study actually suggests women’s minds are sharper during their time of the month.

When undergoing psychological tests, women on their period reacted 12 per cent faster and made 25 per cent fewer errors – despite believing their performance would suffer due to ‘poorer mood and symptoms’.

The findings may explain previous indications that female athletes are less likely to sustain an injury while menstruating.

The study, funded by the Fifa Foundation and published in the journal Neuropsychologia, looked at 248 participants who were all in their early 30s and mid-20s. The sample included 105 women, of whom 47 were on contraception, and 96 men.

First author Dr Flaminia Ronca, of University College London, said there was no performance difference on the group level between males and females. The only difference in performance found was the fluctuation within the group of women who were menstruating.

She added that the findings ‘challenge what women, and perhaps society more generally, assume about their abilities at this particular time of the month, saying: ‘How we feel doesn’t always reflect how we perform.’