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.
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
Topics
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