Variations of performance in psychological tests daring the menstrual cycle in women with and without oral contraceptives

Abstract

This chapter deals with the variations of performance in psychological tests during the menstrual cycle in women with and without oral contraceptives. The same 32 young women as in the electroencephalography (EEG) study were tested for variations in automatized psychological performance tests. These tests covered different performances such as reaction time, concentration, integration and learning abilities. The group with spontaneous menstrual cycles performed significantly better in both speed and accuracy of all tests compared to the group under combined oral contraceptives (o. C's). During spontaneous menstrual cycles, significantly better performances were achieved during the luteal phase compared to the follicular phase. More complex performances such as integrating and learning ability also showed cyclical changes, whereas none of the parameters tested in women under o. C's showed any such fluctuations.