The menstrual cycle, science and femininity: Assumptions underlying menstrual cycle research

This paper examines the relationship between popular knowledge of menstruation and scientific research. It suggests that despite evidence to indicate that pre-menstrual cognitive, behavioural and emotional ‘impairment’ is relatively rare, the popular notion that PMS routinely affects many women adversely is difficult to displace. It concludes that mainstream menstrual cycle research is subject to the influence of misogynist methology upheld as staunchly by women influenced by patriarchy as by men. Reasons are suggested which lie in the differential power of claims to knowledge.