A word of caution if you plan to watch a scary movie this Halloween

My Hormonology

A word of caution if you plan to watch a scary movie this Halloween

handpumpkinPlanning to watch a scary movie for Halloween?

If you’re in the second half of your cycle–Week 3 and Week –you may want to think twice about viewing a fright flick.

Here’s why:

On these days, you’re more likely to be distressed by disturbing scenes and remember them longer and more vividly, according to several studies, including this one, this one and this one.

Researchers chalk up this intense reaction to frightening images to your hormones:

As estrogen rises in the first half of your cycle–Week 1 and Week 2–it prompts certain brain changes that make you have a less intense emotional reaction to seeing something negative.

During the second half of your cycle, as estrogen dips twice and progesterone rises and falls, these hormonal changes make you have a more intense emotional reaction to seeing something negative.

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