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Stability of women’s facial shape throughout the menstrual cycle

Marcinkowska, U. M.; Holzleitner, I. J.

Authors

U. M. Marcinkowska



Abstract

Facial characteristics can serve as a cue for judgements of multiple human traits, from maternal tendencies, overall fertility to sexual openness. In this study, we tested previously found fluctuations in facial shape throughout the menstrual cycle. With methods more robust than those formerly used (larger sample size and detailed hormonal assessments determining the timing of the ovulation), we did not find significant changes in either of the three facial measurements conducted: symmetry, averageness and sexual dimorphism (all F ≤ 0.78, all partial η2 ≤ 0.01, all p ≥ 0.542). After narrowing the sample to cycles that had a higher probability of being ovulatory (based on daily measurements of luteinizing hormone and oestradiol), the results remained non-significant (all F ≤ 1.20, all partial η2 ≤ 0.03, all p ≥ 0.315). Our results (i) suggest that the previously found increased facial attractiveness of women in the most fertile phase of the menstrual cycle is not driven by changes in facial shape, but might instead stem from other changes in facial appearance, such as a more attractive skin tone; and (ii) underline the importance of replication of studies with new methods.

Citation

Marcinkowska, U. M., & Holzleitner, I. J. (2020). Stability of women’s facial shape throughout the menstrual cycle. Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 287(1924), https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2019.2910

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Mar 13, 2020
Online Publication Date Apr 8, 2020
Publication Date Apr 8, 2020
Deposit Date Jun 11, 2021
Journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences
Print ISSN 0962-8452
Electronic ISSN 1471-2954
Publisher Royal Society, The
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 287
Issue 1924
Article Number 20192910
DOI https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2019.2910
Keywords symmetry, averageness, sexual dimorphism, facial cognition, menstrual cycle, cyclical changes
Public URL https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/7460846