---
title: Is low progesterone linked to aggressive behavior and fatigue before menstruation?
description: Yes. Women with lower aggressive behavior and fatigue had higher progesterone levels during the second half of the cycle. The study suggests that low progeste
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/higher-luteal-progesterone-is-associated-with-low-levels-of-premenstrual-2012/
---

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- Is low progesterone linked to aggressive behavior and fatigue before menstruation?

Study, 2012

# Is low progesterone linked to aggressive behavior and fatigue before menstruation?

Yes. Women with lower aggressive behavior and fatigue had higher progesterone levels during the second half of the cycle. The study suggests that low progesterone may contribute to aggressive behavior and fatigue.

 Moderate study design

122 healthy women of reproductive age

## What they did

122 healthy women of reproductive age collected daily morning saliva samples and recorded the intensity of mood symptoms (irritability, anger, sadness, tearfulness, insomnia, and fatigue). Saliva was tested for progesterone levels.

## What they found

Women who experienced less aggressive behavior and fatigue had higher progesterone levels during the second half of the cycle. As progesterone levels increased to their peak during this phase, aggressive behavior and fatigue decreased.

## What it means for you

This suggests that progesterone during the second half of the cycle may be protective against aggressive behavior and fatigue before menstruation. The study included only healthy women, not those with diagnosed PMS, so results may not apply to women with more severe premenstrual symptoms.

122

women studied

6

mood symptoms tracked

## About the study

Original title Higher luteal progesterone is associated with low levels of premenstrual aggressive behavior and fatigue Authors Ziomkiewicz A, Pawlowski B, Ellison PT et al. Journal Biological psychology Year 2012 Study design Study Read the paper [doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsycho.2012.08.001](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsycho.2012.08.001)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Menstrual cycle and mood](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-cycle-mood/)[Irritability and anger](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-irritability-anger/)[Fatigue and energy](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-fatigue/)[Work and productivity](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-work/)

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