---
title: Does the menstrual cycle make mental and physical health problems worse?
description: Yes. Many medical and mental health conditions get worse at specific phases of the menstrual cycle, particularly during the luteal phase when premenstrual dys
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/menstrual-cycle-related-exacerbation-of-disease-2010/
---

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- Does the menstrual cycle make mental and physical health problems worse?

Review, 2010

# Does the menstrual cycle make mental and physical health problems worse?

Yes. Many medical and mental health conditions get worse at specific phases of the menstrual cycle, particularly during the luteal phase when premenstrual dysphoric disorder (a severe form of PMS) and depression commonly occur.

 Early or limited evidence

This is a review of research, not a study of specific women.

## What they did

This is a review of research on how the menstrual cycle affects medical and mental health. The authors examined studies on worsening of various conditions during different cycle phases.

## What they found

Many common health problems worsen at specific menstrual cycle phases. The menstrual cycle can trigger premenstrual dysphoric disorder and depression, both of which specifically occur during the luteal phase. The cause appears to involve complex interactions between the immune and hormone systems, though the exact cause is unclear.

## What it means for you

If you have depression or other health conditions, your symptoms might get worse before your period. Doctors should screen for mental health problems at different cycle phases. Treatment options include antidepressants, therapy, and sometimes hormones.

## About the study

Original title Menstrual cycle-related exacerbation of disease Authors Pinkerton JV, Guico-Pabia CJ, Taylor HS Journal American journal of obstetrics and gynecology Year 2010 Study design Review What was tested Various treatments for menstrual cycle-related conditions Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2009.07.061](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2009.07.061)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[Menstrual cycle and mood](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-cycle-mood/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[SSRIs and antidepressants](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-ssri/)[Psychotherapy, counselling and education](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-psychotherapy/)[Major depressive disorder](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-major-depression/)[Perimenopause and menopause](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-perimenopause/)

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

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Survey study, 2002

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