---
title: Are moods linked to hormone levels during the menstrual cycle?
description: In this group of healthy women, mood and enjoyment of activities did not change during different cycle phases, and there was no relationship between mood and
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/psychoendocrinology-of-the-menstrual-cycle-ii-the-relationship-between-enjoyment-1979/
---

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- Are moods linked to hormone levels during the menstrual cycle?

Survey study, 1979

# Are moods linked to hormone levels during the menstrual cycle?

In this group of healthy women, mood and enjoyment of activities did not change during different cycle phases, and there was no relationship between mood and the levels of reproductive hormones.

 Early or limited evidence

14 healthy women with regular menstrual cycles not on birth control, in heterosexual relationships

## What they did

Fourteen healthy women kept daily mood records and activity logs for at least two complete menstrual cycles. Blood samples were taken 3 to 5 times per week to measure estradiol, progesterone, and luteinizing hormone. Researchers verified that cycles were normal and ovulatory.

## What they found

In the 14 women, there was no relationship between mood or enjoyment of activities and which phase of the cycle they were in. There was also no relationship between mood and the actual blood levels of estradiol and progesterone. Of 28 cycles observed, 27 were normal and ovulatory.

## What it means for you

In healthy women, mood does not appear to be linked to either cycle phase or hormone levels. This does not mean hormone changes never affect mood in general, but in this sample, the connection was not found. The main limits are the very small sample of only 14 women, that all were healthy and in relationships, and the study only measured mood and hormones, not other symptoms.

14

Healthy women studied

27 of 28

Cycles that were normal and ovulatory

3-5

Blood samples collected per week

## About the study

Original title Psychoendocrinology of the menstrual cycle: II. The relationship between enjoyment of activities, moods, and reproductive hormones Authors Abplanalp JM, Rose RM, Donnelly AF et al. Journal Psychosomatic medicine Year 1979 Study design Survey study What was tested None Read the paper [doi.org/10.1097/00006842-197912000-00002](https://doi.org/10.1097/00006842-197912000-00002)

## Topics

[Menstrual cycle and mood](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-cycle-mood/)[Oral contraceptives and drospirenone](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-hormonal-contraceptives/)[Work and productivity](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-work/)[Relationships and partners](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-relationships/)

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