June 5th 2024.
There's no denying it - periods can be a real hassle. From mild inconvenience to straight-up torture, it's safe to say that most of us have experienced the dreaded monthly cycle at some point in our lives. And let's be honest, it's not just the physical symptoms that can make us want to curl up in a ball and never leave the house. It's the sacrifices we have to make, like getting less sleep or having to cancel plans due to painful cramps. In fact, a recent study found that 38% of women feel like their period prevents them from completing their daily tasks.
But, dear ladies, fear not - because finally, there's some good news about periods. A new research study has revealed that women actually have cognitive advantages during menstruation. In other words, our brains are at their peak during this time of the month. The study, conducted by researchers at University College London and published in Neuropsychologia, found that women who do not use hormonal contraceptives perform better on cognitive tasks while on their period compared to other points in their cycle.
The study involved 241 participants, including 105 women with natural cycles, 47 women on birth control, and 96 men. They were all asked to complete various cognitive tasks, such as a "smiley task battery" where they had to hit the space bar on their computer as quickly as possible when they saw a smiley or winky face, depending on the instructions. The tasks were repeated two weeks later. Surprisingly, there was no difference in performance between men and women. However, women with natural cycles had faster reaction times, fewer errors, and reduced variability while on their period. They also performed worse during the luteal phase (the week before their period) compared to other stages of their cycle.
Now, let's talk about everyone's favorite topic - sex. We all know that our sex drive tends to increase during menstruation, and the good news is that sex can actually help to alleviate period pains. Not only is it more enjoyable than standard exercise, but vaginal stimulation can also provide effective pain relief by increasing the pain threshold by 75%. According to Lucy Lettice, co-founder of the plastic-free period care brand &SISTERS, the spooning position is not only more intimate and romantic but also ideal for getting rid of cramps. This position is comfortable for both partners and doesn't put any pressure on the knees, making it a godsend when those pesky cramps strike. The penetrating partner can also provide relief by placing their hand on the receiving partner's abdomen and using their natural body heat to ease the pain.
The boost in cognitive performance during menstruation is even more surprising when you consider that women reported feeling in a poorer mood and experiencing more symptoms during this time. And to top it off, they believed that these symptoms were negatively affecting their cognitive performance. Lead author of the study, Dr. Flaminia Ronca, found these results to be "surprising" and believes that they challenge the assumptions we have about women's abilities during their period. She hopes that this research will lead to positive conversations between coaches and athletes about perceptions and performance because, as it turns out, how we feel doesn't always reflect how we perform.
However, it's important to note that this research doesn't mean that you have to push yourself if you're feeling awful during your period. Self-care is always a top priority, and if you need to take a break and rest, that's perfectly okay. This study is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to understanding women's bodies and how they function during their menstrual cycle. There is still a lot of research needed, especially in the areas of women's performance and abilities in sports. Currently, only 6% of the sport science literature focuses on all-female participant samples, highlighting the need for a better understanding of female physiology to provide optimal support for female athletes.
So, there you have it - some good news about periods. Not only do we have cognitive advantages during menstruation, but sex can also help with period pains. More research is needed to fully understand the connection between our hormones and performance, but for now, let's celebrate this small victory and continue to support and advocate for women's health. And remember, if you have a story to share, don't hesitate to reach out and connect with us. We're all in this together.
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