These studies are a double-edged sword for me. We don’t need more reasons for men to treat women as inferior, so not having “period brain” be scientifically validated is great. On the other hand, the fogginess or overwhelm or whatever psychological symptoms women suffer are real and should be respected.

As a previous sufferer of heavy periods and terrible PMS (Is DMS a thing? During Menstrual Syndrome? I had that, too!), I appreciate you writing about this. I am in menopause now, but my periods ended with a partial hysterectomy due to a HUGE fibroid tumor. That was THE BEST surgery ever! The end of my periods was definitely a cause for celebration!