---
title: How do stress hormone levels change during the menstrual cycle and how does this affect health?
description: Cortisol levels are higher in the first two phases of the cycle and lower in the final phase. Higher cortisol is linked to PMS symptoms, miscarriage, and redu
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/stress-related-changes-in-the-menstrual-cycle-and-their-significance-for-health-2025/
---

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- How do stress hormone levels change during the menstrual cycle and how does this affect health?

Review, 2025

# How do stress hormone levels change during the menstrual cycle and how does this affect health?

Cortisol levels are higher in the first two phases of the cycle and lower in the final phase. Higher cortisol is linked to PMS symptoms, miscarriage, and reduced fertility, while birth control medications may help stabilize cortisol.

 Strong study design

Review of studies on healthy women

## What they did

This was a narrative review of papers published between 2014 and 2024. Researchers searched PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for studies describing cortisol levels in healthy women during their menstrual cycles.

## What they found

Cortisol levels were higher in the follicular and ovulatory stages and lower in the luteal phase. Premenstrual syndrome was linked to changes in the cortisol awakening response and increased symptomatology. Hormonal birth control reduced stress reactivity and balanced cortisol cycles. Failed ovulation and poor fertility were linked to increased cortisol.

## What it means for you

The stress hormone cortisol naturally fluctuates during the menstrual cycle and may explain some PMS symptoms and fertility problems. Birth control may help by stabilizing cortisol. The main limitation is that more standardized research methods are needed to confirm these findings in clinical practice.

2014-2024

Publication period of reviewed papers

Q1-Q2 journals

Quality of publications included

## About the study

Original title Stress-related changes in the menstrual cycle and their significance for health: A literature review Authors Ainur Amanzholkyzy, Dinara Kulzhanova, Gulnara Sakhipova et al. Journal Репродуктивная медицина (Центральная Азия) Year 2025 Study design Review What was tested Literature review of cortisol changes across menstrual cycle phases Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.37800/rm.2.2025.514](https://doi.org/10.37800/rm.2.2025.514)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Menstrual cycle and mood](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-cycle-mood/)[Stress](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-stress/)[Work and productivity](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-work/)

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