---
title: Are bipolar mood symptoms affected by the phase of the menstrual cycle?
description: No clear difference in bipolar symptoms across menstrual cycle phases was found overall. However, a small number of women showed mood changes during the lutea
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/are-bipolar-mood-symptoms-affected-by-the-phase-of-the-menstrual-cycle-2008/
---

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- Are bipolar mood symptoms affected by the phase of the menstrual cycle?

Survey study, 2008

# Are bipolar mood symptoms affected by the phase of the menstrual cycle?

No clear difference in bipolar symptoms across menstrual cycle phases was found overall. However, a small number of women showed mood changes during the luteal phase.

 Early or limited evidence

41 women with bipolar disorder, ages 18-45

## What they did

Researchers tracked daily mood ratings in 41 women with bipolar disorder across different phases of their menstrual cycle.

## What they found

No clear relationship was found between menstrual cycle phase and depression or mania. In a closer look, 8 of 41 women had higher depression scores and 5 of 41 had higher mania scores in the luteal phase compared to the follicular phase.

## What it means for you

The menstrual cycle may not affect bipolar symptoms for most women, but a small subgroup might be affected. The study was small and only included women who met strict criteria, so findings may not apply to all women with bipolar disorder.

41

women with bipolar disorder studied

8 of 41

showed higher depression in luteal phase

5 of 41

showed higher mania in luteal phase

## About the study

Original title Are bipolar mood symptoms affected by the phase of the menstrual cycle? Authors Shivakumar G, Bernstein IH, Suppes T et al. Journal Journal of women's health (2002) Year 2008 Study design Survey study Participants 41 Read the paper [doi.org/10.1089/jwh.2007.0466](https://doi.org/10.1089/jwh.2007.0466)

## Topics

[Menstrual cycle and mood](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-cycle-mood/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[Bipolar disorder](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-bipolar/)[Relationships and partners](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-relationships/)

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## Related studies

Case report, 2013

Can mood disorder symptoms happen only during the second half of the menstrual cycle?

Survey study, 2006

Does the menstrual cycle affect mood disorders?

Survey study, 1999

Does menstrual cycle phase affect mood in women with rapid cycling bipolar disorder?

Survey study, 1989

Do mood disorders affect premenstrual depression and attention across the cycle?

Cohort study, 2023

Are PMS symptoms linked to genetic factors for psychiatric disorders?

Study, 2026

Do anxiety and depression get worse before your period if you already have a mental health condition?

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