A pilot longitudinal study of decrease in cognitive functions during the most painful day of the period among women with primary dysmenorrhea

Painful menstruation is a common problem associated with many limitations in day-to-day functioning. There is limited research on the temporary effects of menstrual pain on cognitive functioning.

A longitudinal pilot study was conducted. A group of 32 women was tested with the Brief Test of Adult Cognition by Telephone (BTACT), which consists of 7 tests measuring various cognitive functions. Participants were tested both on a regular, pain-free day and the most painful day of their period.

The subjects displayed significantly lower results in several domains of cognitive functions during measurement on the most painful day of the period. We observed a decline in inhibitory and cognitive control, attention functioning and processing speed.

The results provide tentative evidence for experiencing cognitive difficulties under the influence of menstrual pain and may contribute to raising awareness about related difficulties.