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.
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
Topics
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