Menstrual Cycle Modulates Motor Learning and Memory Consolidation in Humans.

Koyuki Ikarashi,Daisuke Sato,Kaho Iguchi,Koya Yamashiro,Yasuhiro Baba

doi:10.3390/brainsci10100696

Abstract

Numerous studies have noted that sex and/or menstrual phase influences cognitive performance (in particular, declarative memory), but the effects on motor learning (ML) and procedural memory/consolidation remain unclear. In order to test the hypothesis that ML differs across menstrual cycle phases, initial ML, overlearning, consolidation, and final performance were assessed in women in the follicular, preovulation and luteal phases. Primary motor cortex (M1) oscillations were assessed neuro-physiologically, and premenstrual syndrome and interoceptive awareness scores were assessed psychologically. We found not only poorer performance gain through initial ML but also lower final performance after overlearning a day and a week later in the luteal group than in the ovulation group. This behavioral difference could be explained by particular premenstrual syndrome symptoms and associated failure of normal M1 excitability in the luteal group. In contrast, the offline effects, i.e., early and late consolidation, did not differ across menstrual cycle phases. These results provide information regarding the best time in which to start learning new sensorimotor skills to achieve expected gains.

Highlights

The female menstrual cycle is controlled by dynamic periodic and periodic fluctuations in gonadal neuro-steroid hormones
The present study investigated whether the menstrual cycle of females influences performance gain during motor learning (ML) and memory consolidation after ML and explored its neural mechanisms, with a focus on
For premenstrual syndrome (PMS) scores evaluated by the Menstrual Distress Questionnaire (MDQ), there were significant main effects of ‘group’ in the domains of pain, water retention, autonomic reactions, and negative affect but not in the domains of behavior, arousal, concentration, and control

Summary

Introduction

The female menstrual cycle is controlled by dynamic periodic and periodic fluctuations in gonadal neuro-steroid hormones. Shifts in the ovarian hormones estradiol and progesterone, as well as their major metabolites, modulate neural activity [1,2,3] and neuroplasticity [4]. Neuroplasticity is the capacity of the nervous system to modify itself, functionally and structurally, in response to experience, injury and intervention [5,6]; this capacity plays an essential role in learning and memory [7,8]. The effects of the menstrual cycle on procedural memory with motor learning (ML) and memory consolidation remain unclear. Exploring the interaction of progesterone and estradiol with ML and associated neurophysiological activity is key to understanding how procedural memory and related

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion