Cognition and the Menstrual Cycle

The menstrual cycle is one of the few biological processes that exhibit a virtually complete dimorphism between male and female members of the human species.

This collection of papers examines the ways in which menstruation affects the different facets of human cognition, understood in a way which encompasses both personal experience and culturally acquired beliefs and stereotypes, as well as observable behaviour and performance.

There is little doubt that some stereotypes concerning female psychology permeate both scientific research and popular culture.

By presenting the evidence related to variations in women's cognitive abilities throughout the menstrual cycle, this book represents a contribution to a better understanding of the differences between the sexes.