Sunderland women react to study showing improved performance during periods

The research reveals women perform better at reacting and foreseeing challenges during their periods, challenging common assumptions.

Sunderland women have reacted to a new study showing women performed better during periods.

The study found women react faster and make fewer mistakes while menstruating.

According to the University College London and the Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health (ISEH) researchers, between ovulation and menstruation, women showed slower reaction times and poorer timing anticipation.

64-year-old Marylne Aurush said: "All through the times i saw my period, i do not remember a day or the month that seemed normal. In fact i never looked forward to it, but this research surprises me.

"This research feels like it's trying to invalidate the real struggles many women face during their periods. Just because some might perform better doesn't mean everyone does."

The 64-year-old said she hopes the outcome of the study does not result to unrealistic expectations for women at work during their period.

Emma Jack-Lawson , 28, said: "I don't see how this helps us. Instead of focusing on how we might perform better, we should be addressing the pain and discomfort many women endure.

"This study oversimplifies a complex issue. Periods affect women differently, and suggesting we all perform better isn't accurate or fair."

"Great, now we'll be expected to be superwomen even when we're dealing with cramps and fatigue. This research just adds more pressure, said Lilybeth Gareth.

The 28-year-old Beautician added that, "This feels dismissive of the genuine difficulties periods can cause. It's frustrating to see our experiences reduced to a performance metric."

Lilybeth said she had no idea if this was a good or terrible finding- "but one thing is for sure, i almost never have a good day at work during my period."

Zoe Clifford, 24 said: "Menstruation often leaves me feeling exhausted and unfocused, and I know many women who feel the same way.

"This research ignores the emotional and physical toll that periods can take. It's not just about performance; it's about overall well-being."

Ms. added that it's important to consider the full spectrum of experiences women have during their periods, not just the potential for improved performance.

Somilore Adidun, 23-year old student said: "I worry that studies like this will be used to dismiss our needs for accommodations during periods. Just because some women might perform better doesn't mean all of us do.

"Periods can be incredibly debilitating for many women, she added."

The research is surprising because women often report feeling worse during their periods, experiencing lower moods and physical symptoms.

In the journal Neuropsychologia, researchers noted that "a significant proportion of females felt their symptoms negatively affected their cognitive performance during menstruation, which was incongruent with their actual performance."

The study involved 241 men and women taking online tests and recording their moods and symptoms.

They were tested twice, 14 days apart, for reaction times, attention and ability to relate to visual information as well as anticipation of when something might happen, as the tests were designed to mimic mental processes that are typical in team sports.

There was no difference between men and women's reactions and accuracy.