Why menstrual cycle irregularities belong in brain research

Carina Heller; Erynn Christensen; Elle M. Murata; Nicole Petersen; Kathleen Casto; Shae Datta; Bart Larsen; Hector Arciniega

doi:10.1038/s41591-025-03879-1

Why menstrual cycle irregularities belong in brain research

Carina Heller
, Erynn Christensen
, Elle M. Murata
, Nicole Petersen
, Kathleen Casto
, Shae Datta
, Bart Larsen
, Hector Arciniega

Research output: Contribution to journal › Comment/debate › peer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

The menstrual cycle requires tight orchestration between the brain and body, and irregularities can be both the cause and the consequence of wide-ranging health issues. Embracing this complexity, instead of excluding individuals with irregular menstrual patterns from research, could reveal novel brain–body interactions, advance neuroscience and improve health outcomes for those affected.

Original language	English (US)
Pages (from-to)	3598-3600
Number of pages	3
Journal	Nature Medicine
Volume	31
Issue number	11
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-025-03879-1
State	Published - Nov 2025

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© Springer Nature America, Inc. 2025.

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10.1038/s41591-025-03879-1

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AU - Larsen, Bart

AU - Arciniega, Hector

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Why menstrual cycle irregularities belong in brain research

Abstract

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