--- title: Does the body's stress response change during the menstrual cycle? description: Yes. The body's stress response changes at different times in the menstrual cycle, with stronger responses during the second half of the cycle. Women show a d url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/cardiovascular-reactivity-to-mental-stress-relationship-with-menstrual-cycle-and-2004/ --- - [Niyora](https://niyora.com/) - [Research](https://niyora.com/research/) - [Library](https://niyora.com/research/library/) - Does the body's stress response change during the menstrual cycle? Survey study, 2004 # Does the body's stress response change during the menstrual cycle? Yes. The body's stress response changes at different times in the menstrual cycle, with stronger responses during the second half of the cycle. Women show a different overall pattern than men. Early or limited evidence 14 women tested at different points in their menstrual cycle, and 14 men as a comparison group. ## What they did 14 women completed two mental stress tests at different points in their menstrual cycles. The same tests were given to 14 men, spaced the same number of days apart. Researchers measured heart rate, blood pressure, and how the heart's rhythm changes during stress. ## What they found During the second half of the menstrual cycle, the body's stress response system was more active compared to the first half. The calming response system was lower during the second half. Women overall showed different nervous system patterns than men, with more calming response and less stress activation. People rated the mental tasks as equally difficult regardless of cycle timing or gender. ## What it means for you The body's stress response changes predictably during the menstrual cycle, which may explain why some women feel more stress at certain times. This is a small study using a specific lab task, so results may not reflect stress responses during everyday life. 14 women tested 14 men tested ## About the study Original title Cardiovascular reactivity to mental stress: relationship with menstrual cycle and gender Authors Sato N, Miyake S Journal Journal of physiological anthropology and applied human science Year 2004 Study design Survey study Participants 14 What was tested Mental stress tests (what was measured). Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.2114/jpa.23.215](https://doi.org/10.2114/jpa.23.215) ## Topics [Anxiety and tension](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-anxiety/)[Stress](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-stress/)[Relationships and partners](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-relationships/) Research tells you what helps on average. Niyora helps on the day it hits. Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor. ## Related studies Survey study, 2026 What dietary, lifestyle, and psychological factors are associated with PMS in young women? Survey study, 2025 Do women with PMS have higher anxiety, stress, and different personality traits? Survey study, 2025 Is PMS connected to mental health problems and lifestyle choices? Survey study, 2023 Is PMS related to depression, anxiety, and stress during the COVID-19 pandemic? Survey study, 2026 Does climate change stress and anxiety increase premenstrual syndrome symptoms in nursing students? Non-randomised trial, 2026 Are the most bothersome premenstrual symptoms physical or emotional? Ask AI about this page Copy prompt ChatGPT ↗ Claude ↗ Perplexity ↗ Google AI Mode ↗ Grok ↗