--- title: Does the menstrual cycle affect mental health in women admitted to hospital for psychiatric care? description: Of 16 women who had a recent period, 10 reported that their mental health got worse before their period. Symptoms included increased thoughts of suicide, ange url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/exploring-the-relationship-between-the-menstrual-cycle-and-women-s-mental-health-2023/ --- - [Niyora](https://niyora.com/) - [Research](https://niyora.com/research/) - [Library](https://niyora.com/research/library/) - Does the menstrual cycle affect mental health in women admitted to hospital for psychiatric care? Interview study, 2023 # Does the menstrual cycle affect mental health in women admitted to hospital for psychiatric care? Of 16 women who had a recent period, 10 reported that their mental health got worse before their period. Symptoms included increased thoughts of suicide, anger, low mood, and unusual experiences. Early or limited evidence 21 women (mean age 38 years, 57% Black ethnicity) admitted to a psychiatric inpatient ward; 16 had menstruated in the last 12 months ## What they did Researchers asked 21 women admitted to a psychiatric inpatient ward questions about their menstrual cycle. They analyzed answers from 16 women who had a period in the last 12 months. Seven of these women also joined a focus group discussion held in November 2021. ## What they found Of the 16 women with recent periods, 10 reported mental health changes related to their cycle. Pre-menstrual symptoms included increased suicidality, anger, low mood, and unusual experiences. Women said they wanted to discuss menstrual health with a female doctor in a private setting rather than in the ward round. ## What it means for you Women in psychiatric care may experience worsening mental health before their period, which doctors may not be routinely asking about. The study is very small and describes one hospital ward, so findings may not apply to all women or other settings. The research was qualitative (descriptive) so it captures experiences but doesn't measure prevalence in larger populations. 16 women with recent periods 10 reported mental health changes with cycle 38 mean age in years ## About the study Original title Exploring the Relationship Between the Menstrual Cycle and Women's Mental Health in a Female Inpatient Ward Authors Allberry H, Jones L, Wilson C et al. Journal BJPsych open Year 2023 Study design Interview study Participants 16 What was tested Survey and focus group discussion about menstrual cycle and mental health Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.1192/bjo.2023.176](https://doi.org/10.1192/bjo.2023.176) ## Topics [Perimenopause and menopause](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-perimenopause/)[Menstrual cycle and mood](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-cycle-mood/)[Relationships and partners](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-relationships/)[Work and productivity](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-work/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/) 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, 2024 How do hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle affect gut health and mood? Systematic review, 2026 Why do some women experience mood changes linked to their menstrual cycle? Study, 2026 What are premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder? Survey study, 2025 Do women with bipolar disorder who had PMS or postpartum depression have worse mood problems during menopause? Study, 2025 Does anger get worse before your period? Survey study, 2025 How do personality traits like neuroticism affect PMS severity and sexual satisfaction? Ask AI about this page Copy prompt ChatGPT ↗ Claude ↗ Perplexity ↗ Google AI Mode ↗ Grok ↗