Survey study, 2007
Does light therapy for seasonal depression affect when menstruation starts?
Menstruation started on average 1.2 days earlier after light therapy for seasonal depression. This was noted as a minor side effect in only 2 people.
What they did
Researchers tracked when menstruation started in 38 people with seasonal depression before and after they received light therapy.
What they found
Following light therapy, menstruation started on average 1.2 days earlier. In 2 people this was noted as a minor side effect. There was no link between how much menstruation shifted and how much depression improved.
What it means for you
Light therapy may affect when menstruation starts through effects on the brain's hormone control system. However, this is a small study and a 1.2 day shift may not be practically important.
38
people with seasonal depression studied
1.2
days earlier menstruation started on average
2
people noted it as a minor side effect
About the study
- Original title
- Shortening of the menstrual cycle following light therapy in seasonal affective disorder
- Authors
- Danilenko KV
- Journal
- Psychiatry research
- Year
- 2007
- Study design
- Survey study
- What was tested
- Light therapy for seasonal depression
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2006.12.016
Topics
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