UIC Department of Psychiatry

Fluctuations of hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone, occur across the menstrual cycle and throughout a woman’s natural lifespan. Oral contraceptives (birth control pills) work by changing the flow of the cycle and thus inhibiting the release of an egg from an ovary. Numerous studies have shown that there are differences in performance on memory tasks depending on whether you have high or low estrogen levels. This study is investigating the differences in hormone levels and mental abilities across a woman’s menstrual cycle, in both women who are and who are not taking oral contraceptive pills. This study also investigates how hormone levels affect mental abilities throughout a woman’s lifespan. We are currently enrolling women between the ages of 18 and 65.

If you are interested in participating, please fill out this form to determine your eligibility. If you would rather not submit personal information online you can contact our research coordinator by phone at (312) 355-5652 or via e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . At that time, the research coordinator will explain to you more details about the study and will have a short series of questions to ask to determine your eligibility.