Mood swings, acne breakouts, dramatic increases in appetite, sensitivity and heightened emotions are just some of the drastic changes most women say they experience before and during their menstrual cycle.
During the phases of the cycle, as we know, everything that happens is determined by changes in the responsible hormones: estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. It is their combination that makes all the difference in how we function.
According to two studies published in the most popular media in the world, from "The Washington Post" to "The Post", these hormones can change the size of the brain. The studies in question were done using scanners and blood tests.
In the first study, 30 women with a regular menstrual cycle were taken and each one was observed in different phases of the monthly cycle. What was discovered was the fact that the increase in estrogen and luteal hormone affects the faster transmission of information and increases in follicle-stimulating hormones.
In the second, ovarian hormones have been found to reshape areas of the brain that are responsible for regulating mood, emotions, behavior and overall health. The area called "hippocampus" and the areas surrounding the medial temporal lobe are precisely affected.
Although there is not yet a detailed conclusion on this topic, these two studies have paved the way for other research that will help understand the connection between health and menstruation, helping to create strategies that will improve women's health and the impact of cycle in their lives.
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