Menstrual health might be a bit of a taboo subject but don’t let that put you off – psychologists at Abertay University believe it shouldn’t be taboo and that it’s a really important subject. So important in fact, that they need your help.
The team want to find out whether there really is a link between certain hormones (particularly progesterone) and the changes that occur in our thinking and emotional state in relation to specific phases of the menstrual cycle.
It doesn’t matter if you get PMS or not – they would like to hear from as many people as possible. The only criterion is that you must have a natural cycle – if you’re using hormonal contraceptives then you can’t take part in this stage of the research unfortunately, as these mask the natural peaks and troughs of the hormones they’re interested in finding out about.
If you’re able to take part, all you need to do is map your cycle using a digital ovulation kit – which might sound a bit technical, but is really easy.
And, even better, the kits can be sent out to you, so you don’t have to be in Dundee to participate.
Noelle McCara, who is leading the research, says: “I want people to think about menstruation differently and to move away from thinking that all it means is pain or moodiness.
“The hormones present in the menstrual cycle can alter behaviour in positive ways. Mapping multiple menstrual cycles will help us capture the hormonal peaks and troughs more accurately.”
If you’d like to help with this research, or find out more about the study before you sign up, then please contact: n.mcara@abertay.ac.uk
