Effect of Various Phases of Menstrual Cycle on Simple Reaction Time

Background: Menstrual cycle is a physiological process and is associated with alteration of the levels of sex steroids. Gonadal steroids have reproductive functions but display neuroactive effects also. Reaction time can be taken into consideration in neurological and behavioural assessment of women during various phases of menstrual cycle. Aims and Objectives: This study was undertaken to observe the effect of gonadal hormones during various phases of menstrual cycle on simple reaction time. Methods: The study was carried out in 100 eumenorrheic females belonging to the age group of 17-19 years. Their visual and auditory reaction time were measured during menstrual (day 1-5), Proliferative (day 6-14) and Secretory (day 15-28to 30) phases by using an instrument called �Audio-Visual Reaction time apparatus� (Medicaid systems, Chandigarh). Results were expressed as Mean�S. D. and compared with Student�s paired t test. Results: The significant increase (prolongation) in visual and auditory reaction time was observed during secretory phase. Conclusion: The fluctuating levels of ovarian hormones during the various phases of menstrual cycle influence the visual and auditory reaction time and thereby affect sensorimotor association and processing capability of central nervous system.