---
title: Does heart rate variability change predict who will have worse premenstrual mood?
description: No. The relationship is more complex. Only women whose heart rate variability increased (rather than decreased) during the luteal phase had worse premenstrual
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/associations-of-luteal-phase-changes-in-vagally-mediated-heart-rate-variability-2024/
---

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- Does heart rate variability change predict who will have worse premenstrual mood?

Survey study, 2024

# Does heart rate variability change predict who will have worse premenstrual mood?

No. The relationship is more complex. Only women whose heart rate variability increased (rather than decreased) during the luteal phase had worse premenstrual mood.

 Early or limited evidence

31 naturally cycling women from the community with average age 26 years

## What they did

Observational study of 31 naturally cycling community women (average age 26 years) followed for six weeks. Participants completed daily mood ratings and attended lab visits during ovulatory, midluteal, and perimenstrual phases, with heart rate variability and salivary hormone measurements.

## What they found

Most participants showed the expected decrease in heart rate variability from ovulation to midluteal phase. However, this decrease was not associated with worse premenstrual mood. Only the small subgroup with increased heart rate variability during the luteal phase had marked worsening of negative affect premenstrually and improvement after menstruation. These women may be making compensatory emotional regulation efforts.

## What it means for you

Heart rate variability changes alone do not predict who will have mood problems before their period. The relationship is more complex than expected. Unusual heart rate patterns may reflect emotional regulation attempts. Main limits: very small sample, short study, unexpected findings need larger clinical replication.

31

Participants

26

Average age in years

6

Study duration in weeks

## About the study

Original title Associations of luteal phase changes in vagally mediated heart rate variability with premenstrual emotional changes Authors Schmalenberger KM, Eisenlohr-Moul TA, Jarczok MN et al. Journal BMC women's health Year 2024 Study design Survey study Participants 31 What was tested None - observational study Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.1186/s12905-024-03273-y](https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-024-03273-y)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Menstrual cycle and mood](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-cycle-mood/)

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