---
title: Is the mid-luteal phase a vulnerable time for mood problems? | Niyora
description: The study found weak evidence for this. Women had more depression-like symptoms in the mid-luteal phase, but stress was a stronger predictor of mood changes t
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/examining-a-window-of-vulnerability-for-affective-symptoms-in-the-mid-luteal-2023/
---

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- Is the mid-luteal phase a vulnerable time for mood problems?

Cohort study, 2023

# Is the mid-luteal phase a vulnerable time for mood problems?

The study found weak evidence for this. Women had more depression-like symptoms in the mid-luteal phase, but stress was a stronger predictor of mood changes than menstrual cycle phase.

 Moderate study design

Naturally cycling women in a non-clinical sample

## What they did

A 35-day longitudinal study tracked naturally cycling women's daily stress and three types of mood symptoms: anxious worry, anxious arousal, and depression-like symptoms. Statistical models examined whether mood changes were linked to menstrual phase, stress, or both.

## What they found

Depression-like symptoms increased in the mid-luteal phase. Stress was linked to anxious worry and depression-like symptoms across all phases, not just the mid-luteal. These associations were not stronger in the mid-luteal phase. Stress was a better predictor of mood changes than menstrual phase.

## What it means for you

While the mid-luteal phase may bring more depression-like symptoms, stress appears to be more important than cycle phase for mood changes. The study measured three different mood types, which was useful because they respond differently to stress and the cycle.

35

days of daily tracking

3

types of mood symptoms measured

## About the study

Original title Examining a window of vulnerability for affective symptoms in the mid-luteal phase of the menstrual cycle Authors Guevarra DA, Louis CC, Gloe LM et al. Journal Psychoneuroendocrinology Year 2023 Study design Cohort study What was tested None Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.1016/j.psyneuen.2022.105958](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psyneuen.2022.105958)

## 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/)[Anxiety and tension](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-anxiety/)[Stress](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-stress/)

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