Auditory-verbal memory function of women during the menstruation and ovulation periods

Marziyeh Sajadian; Hamid Jalilvand; Ali Mohammadzadeh; Behdad Pourdad; Maryam Sajadian; Nasrin Gohari; Sayed Mehdi Tabatabaee

doi:10.18502/avr.v30i4.7449

Marziyeh Sajadian Department of Audiology, School of Rehabilitation, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Hamid Jalilvand Department of Audiology, School of Rehabilitation, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Ali Mohammadzadeh Department of Audiology, School of Rehabilitation, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Behdad Pourdad Department of Audiology, School of Rehabilitation, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Maryam Sajadian Department of Counseling, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Nasrin Gohari Department of Audiology, School of Rehabilitation, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
Sayed Mehdi Tabatabaee Department of Basic Sciences, School of Rehabilitation, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/avr.v30i4.7449

Abstract

Background and Aim: Auditory-verbal memory (AVM) is the ability to learn, retain, and recall syllables and words. Memory has a strong relationship with the nervous and endocrine systems in humans. Changes in estrogen levels occur naturally at short (menstrual period) and long (pregnancy, menopause, and maturity) periods. Changes in estrogen levels are likely to affect memory function. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of hormone fluctuations on the AVM of women.

Methods: This cross-sectional study with a pretest/posttest design was conducted on 25 women aged 40−49 years with normal hearing and normal menstrual cycles of 28 ± 4 days, who were selected using a convenience sampling method. They were evaluated using two Persian versions of Rey Auditory-Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT). This test was performed twice and at two different menstrual periods (2-5 and 14−16 days).

Results: A significant correlation was observed between the mean of total recall score, recall score after interference, and delayed recall score at two different periods (p < 0.01). The scores of women in three areas on days 14−16 of the menstrual cycle were higher than on days 2−5.

Conclusion: Women’s RAVLT scores on days 14−16 of the menstrual cycle are higher than on days 2−5, indicating the effect of hormonal fluctuations on their AVM function. Therefore, it is necessary to consider the changes in women’s AVM in different days of the menstrual cycle.

Keywords: Auditory-verbal working memory; Rey learning test; menstrual cycle