Ovulation Boosts Reaction Time & Activity Enhances Cognitive Function in Women, Study Finds
New research from University college London (UCL) reveals a link between the menstrual cycle, physical activity levels, and cognitive performance in women.the study, published in Sports Medicine – Open, demonstrates that women experience improved reaction times and accuracy around the time of ovulation.
Researchers tracked 54 women aged 18-40 who were not using hormonal contraception, categorizing them based on exercise habits: inactive, recreationally active (at least two hours of structured exercise weekly), club-level competitors, and elite athletes. Participants completed cognitive tests and reported mood/symptoms during menstruation, the late follicular phase (days after menstruation), ovulation, and the mid-luteal phase (between ovulation and menstruation).
The results showed that, on average, women exhibited faster reaction times – approximately 30 milliseconds quicker – and fewer errors during ovulation compared to other phases of their cycle. Though, the effect was considerably more pronounced in elite athletes. These athletes demonstrated reaction times up to 80 milliseconds faster and improved attention/inhibition scores exceeding 120 milliseconds faster during ovulation compared to the luteal phase.
“At an elite level, an 80-millisecond difference in reaction time is substantial,” explains Dr. Flaminia Ronca, lead author from UCL Surgery and interventional Science and the Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health. “In a fast-paced sport like rugby, this could potentially impact injury risk, including concussion and musculoskeletal injuries.”
The study also highlighted the cognitive benefits of any physical activity. Inactive participants consistently showed reaction times approximately 70 milliseconds slower and made roughly three times more impulsive errors than their active counterparts,nonetheless of their menstrual cycle phase. Researchers suggest this difference could be critical in everyday situations, such as maintaining balance.
“This underscores the importance of incorporating even recreational physical activity into daily life,” Ronca states. “The intensity isn’t crucial; the key is that it’s something within our control.”
Stephanie Hilborne, CEO of Women in Sport, emphasized the broader implications of the findings. “While the cognitive boost during ovulation is engaging, the benefits of being active are the most important takeaway. Faster reaction times can be the difference between a fall and regaining balance, which is notably vital for women over 50, given the disproportionately higher rates of osteoporosis.” Hilborne added that the research reinforces the urgency of encouraging female participation in physical activity to improve both bone strength and cognitive function, ultimately reducing the risk of fragility fractures.
(Source: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40798-025-00924-8)
