There is a growing body of research suggesting that testosterone may influence cognitive performance and focus, which could be relevant for male students preparing for the SQE1 and SQE2 exams. Testosterone levels in men exhibit seasonal fluctuations, with a peak in early spring (around April) and a dip during summer. These fluctuations could impact concentration, impulsivity, and academic performance, potentially offering incremental advantages at different times of the year.
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Testosterone and Cognitive Function
Testosterone has been shown to influence mood and cognitive function in men:
Higher testosterone levels can lead to increased impulsivity and a higher focus on short-term rewards. This may reduce the ability to maintain sustained concentration on tasks requiring detailed analysis and long-term planning.
Moderate levels of testosterone, on the other hand, may enhance motivation, confidence, and spatial memory, which are valuable for tasks like problem-solving in exams.
Hypothesis: Optimal Timing for Male Students
Given that testosterone levels typically peak in early spring (April), this period may offer a slight advantage for male candidates in terms of motivation and mental clarity. However, the impulsivity and overconfidence that can accompany higher testosterone could undermine focus and attention during tasks requiring precision. Therefore, timing the exam in early spring, around the testosterone peak, might present an advantage, but only if male students are mindful of managing stress and impulsivity.
Incremental Advantage Theory
The incremental advantage theory suggests that small, seemingly insignificant differences in factors like motivation, focus, and mental clarity could add up to a larger impact on performance over time. This means that scheduling the SQE exam during a period when testosterone is more likely to enhance performance (e.g., April) could offer men an incremental advantage, especially when combined with proper preparation strategies.
Considerations for Male Candidates
Early Spring (April) might offer an edge, but male students should also be aware that high testosterone levels can lead to impulsivity. Managing stress and practicing mindfulness during preparation could mitigate potential downsides.
Summer and Autumn may see a slight decline in testosterone levels, which could impact motivation and focus negatively, but this is not universally true for all individuals.
References:
A study published in Clinical Endocrinology suggests that testosterone exhibits circannual rhythms, peaking in fall and early spring, with levels typically lower in summer (PubMed, 1991).
This hypothesis encourages male candidates to consider seasonal fluctuations in testosterone when determining the optimal timing for sitting the SQE1 exam. By aligning exam dates with peaks in motivation and mental clarity, students may gain a subtle advantage in terms of focus and mental energy.
Possible Hypothesis: Seasonal Hormonal Fluctuations and Optimal Exam Performance in Female Students
Emerging evidence suggests that women’s academic performance may be influenced by seasonal patterns in hormone levels – particularly estrogen and progesterone – as well as a higher vulnerability to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). These fluctuations may play a role in cognitive performance and exam outcomes across the year.
Hormonal Rhythms and Mood
Estrogen and progesterone not only regulate the menstrual cycle but also affect mood, memory, and attention. While direct studies on circannual hormonal rhythms in women are limited, it is known that seasonal changes in light exposure can disrupt hormonal balance and worsen mood and cognitive performance – especially in winter.
Estrogen typically enhances working memory and focus, while progesterone can have a more sedating effect. When these hormones are imbalanced – often in low-light months – women may experience lower energy and cognitive clarity.
👉 Sherwin, B.B. (2003). Estrogen and cognitive functioning in women. Endocrine Reviews, 24(2), 133–151. PubMed
SAD and Gender Disparities
Women are significantly more likely than men to suffer from SAD, with estimates ranging from 2:1 to 4:1. SAD symptoms – such as fatigue, low mood, and poor concentration—
typically peak in late autumn and winter, which may hinder exam performance during this period.
A major study using UK Biobank data found that women show greater seasonal variation in mood and depressive symptoms than men, independent of lifestyle factors.
👉 University of Glasgow (2018). Women more likely to suffer from seasonal low mood. Link
Clinicians note that female hormone sensitivity to light cycles may worsen SAD, affecting cognitive and emotional stability during darker months.
👉 Happy Hormone Cottage (2020). Why SAD affects women more. Link
Hypothesis: Optimal Timing for Female Candidates
Because SAD symptoms ease with increased daylight and more stable hormonal function, female students may have a cognitive and emotional edge in summer and early autumn. These periods may be more conducive to focus, memory retention, and emotional regulation- key for exam performance.
Incremental Advantage Theory
Following the incremental advantage theory, choosing to sit exams when mood and cognitive function are naturally supported by hormonal and environmental factors – like in July or October – could yield small but meaningful gains in performance for women.
However, as a total disclaimer, these are statistical trends for the whole cohort of students who sat the SQE over a number of sittings and conjectures together with research as to what could have caused these. Students must of course do what is best for themselves, taking advice from their own medical practitioner. The theories put forward do not account for individual differences. That said, good luck in your exam whenever you take it!
