--- title: Does crying actually increase before menstruation? | Niyora description: Women reported more crying before their period across 33 countries, but when women kept actual diaries of their crying, no real increase appeared in any menst url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/self-reported-crying-during-the-menstrual-cycle-sign-of-discomfort-and-emotional-2003/ --- - [Niyora](https://niyora.com/) - [Research](https://niyora.com/research/) - [Library](https://niyora.com/research/library/) - Does crying actually increase before menstruation? Survey study, 2003 # Does crying actually increase before menstruation? Women reported more crying before their period across 33 countries, but when women kept actual diaries of their crying, no real increase appeared in any menstrual phase. The belief may matter more than the actual change. Early or limited evidence 2447 women across 33 countries (retrospective survey); 82 Dutch students (diary study) ## What they did First, researchers asked 2447 women from 33 countries whether they cried more before their period. Second, 82 Dutch women kept detailed diaries of their actual crying episodes and mood for two menstrual cycles. ## What they found In the survey, women reported increased crying before menstruation, with large differences across countries. The pattern was similar for women taking oral contraceptives. However, in the diary study, women did not actually cry more in any menstrual phase, even though their moods changed significantly. ## What it means for you The common belief that women cry more premenstrually may be more important than the actual change. Your mood does shift, but the crying may not follow that cycle. This suggests cultural beliefs shape how we remember or interpret our symptoms. 2447 Women in survey 33 Countries included 82 Women who kept diaries ## About the study Original title Self-reported crying during the menstrual cycle: sign of discomfort and emotional turmoil or erroneous beliefs? Authors van Tilburg MA, Becht MC, Vingerhoets AJ Journal Journal of psychosomatic obstetrics and gynaecology Year 2003 Study design Survey study Participants 2,447 What was tested Survey questions and menstrual cycle diaries of crying and mood Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.3109/01674820309074689](https://doi.org/10.3109/01674820309074689) ## Topics [Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Menstrual cycle and mood](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-cycle-mood/)[Oral contraceptives and drospirenone](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-hormonal-contraceptives/)[Stigma, attitudes and culture](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-stigma-culture/) 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, 2023 Is PMDD diagnosis associated with more severe depression and anxiety and lower well-being? Survey study, 2022 Do female athletes get enough knowledge and support about their period? Case-control study, 2026 Do women with PMS handle emotions differently at different times of the cycle? Systematic review, 2024 What are the best treatments for PMDD and PMS? Systematic review, 2023 What hormonal treatments have been tested for PMDD, menstrual migraine, and catamenial epilepsy? Systematic review, 2023 How common are menstrual cycle problems and PMS or PMDD in female athletes? Ask AI about this page Copy prompt ChatGPT ↗ Claude ↗ Perplexity ↗ Google AI Mode ↗ Grok ↗