For many women, getting your period is a pretty dire time of the month: from cramps to bloating, acne to mood swings, and even an inability to sleep, the hormonal side effects of our menstrual periods can be pretty unforgiving.
However, according to research, we might have found the silver lining we’ve all been looking for. A new study published in National Geographic and the journal Neuropsychologia suggests there’s a hidden and unexpected perk to those dim days of bleeding: Being on your period can actually make you smarter, and brain scans taken during the study have pinpointed exactly what changes in our brain when Aunt Flo is in town.
Allow us to explain.
What happened during the study?
Researchers at University College London and the Institute of Sport, Exercise & Health collected data on reaction time and error from 241 women who did a slew of cognitive tests 14 days apart. The study participants also completed mood scales and questionnaires about their symptoms. Researchers used period-tracking apps to estimate which phase of their cycle participants were in when they took the tests, which were designed to mimic the mental processes that are standard in team sports.
The tests were pretty simple. In one, participants were shown smiling or winking faces and asked to press the space bar only when they saw a smiley face. (This tested inhibition, attention, reaction time and accuracy.)
In another test, they were asked to identify mirror images in a 3D rotation task which looked at their spatial cognition. (Spatial cognition is a complex set of processes that allow people to visualise a task.)
There was also a test that asked the women to click when two moving balls collided on a screen.
The study participants said they felt worse when they were on their periods. They also assumed that this made them perform worse—but the opposite was true. Women had faster reaction times and made fewer errors when they were on their periods.
On the flip side, their reaction times were slower during the luteal phase, which starts after ovulation and leads up to the start of your period.
Wait, am I really smarter?
Well, yes and no. Although we don’t actually get smarter when it’s our time of the month, the size of our brain does change. PhD student Claudia Barth who led the study found that the part of our brain known as the hippocampus increases in size during our periods.
For the study, researchers conducted a brain scan of one woman every couple of days across two menstrual cycles. The results found that as her oestrogen levels rose, her hippocampus increased. Similarly, as her oestrogen levels decreased, so did this part of her brain.
The hippocampus is responsible for controlling and creating new memories, along with regulating our mood and emotions.
‘In mice, it has already been proven that it is not just this brain structure but also different behaviours which underly a type of monthly cycle,’ says Barth, who wants to research further into the subject.
So, although your period hasn’t yet been proven to scientifically make you smarter, the increase in size to your hippocampus is likely to be changing your brain activity in some way or other.
What else did the study find?
The study was actually inspired by previous sports medicine research that found women are at a greater risk of sports injuries when they’re in the luteal phase (the time between ovulation and your period). It’s not entirely clear why this happens, but it could be linked to the hormonal changes that happen during your cycle, professors say.
‘According to our study, the timing of movements might be less accurate during the luteal phase, which I think could be contributing to the greater incidence of injuries in this specific phase,’ says Flaminia Ronca, PhD, associate professor at the University College London. ‘We need more studies to confirm this.’
So all in all, need to make a quick decision? Perhaps you’ll be speediest while you’re on your period. Lord knows you’ve got enough on, anyway.
And with that, we’ve compiled a list of our favourite period underwear, so there’s one less thing to think about during that time of the month.
What is period underwear?
Period underwear, like reusable sanitary pads and menstrual cups, have seen a boom in popularity over the past few years. From their eco-cred, to the fact they can be more convenient than traditional pads and tampons (hello, middle of the night emergency run to the bathroom), it makes sense that searches for ‘period pants’ are up 170% over the past year.
Does period underwear work?
In a word, yes! The underpants, which resemble typical underwear, boast very special absorbent fabric that wicks away period blood, urine, sweat and discharge, leaving you feeling dry and protected. Most period undies are designed with anti-microbial properties, too, to prevent odours, so not only are they hygienic, but you won’t feel that uncomfortable smell, or wetness (depending how heavy your flow is).
The whole concept of going pad-fee might seem uncomfortable if you’ve never tried it, but investing in a pair could be the hack you’ve been missing all along. Personally, if I’m on day one of my period I like to add a pad regardless because I know I need it, but for the other three days, all I use are my period pants. Added bonus: They’re better for the planet, too. Here are some examples below to get you started.
Our Pick of The Best Leak-Proof Period Undies
Be SÉLENE
Be SÉLENE is a new range of Australian-made period underwear, inspired by French lingerie. They launched this year with four signature styles; brief, boyleg, high-waist and g-string with sizes ranging from 8-16. Every pair is made from a combination of French lace, certified natural fabrics and organic cotton. Chic and practical!
Of course they also offer a range of low absorbency options, and have a super-cute pick of colours and designs.
Boody
Know for their unbelievably soft intimates and clothing, Boody’s range of period undies feature four-layer protection to keep you fresh and dry, as well as fast-absorbing leakproof technology for moderate to heavy protection. Available in a full brief, hipster, bikini – either in a Light to Moderate or Moderate to Heavy flow option – they’re a great buy from a loved brand.
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