---
title: How do hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle affect gut health and mood?
description: Hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle affect the bacteria in the gut and mood. Higher progesterone levels in the premenstrual phase are linked with wors
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/the-crucial-link-between-gut-health-mental-well-being-and-hormonal-fluctuations-2024/
---

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- How do hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle affect gut health and mood?

Survey study, 2024

# How do hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle affect gut health and mood?

Hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle affect the bacteria in the gut and mood. Higher progesterone levels in the premenstrual phase are linked with worse bloating, constipation, and mood swings. Approximately 50% to 80% of women experience premenstrual symptoms that affect daily life.

 Early or limited evidence

General information about hormonal effects on gut health and mood during the menstrual cycle

## What they did

This piece discusses how female hormones affect the communication network between the digestive system and the brain, particularly during the menstrual cycle.

## What they found

Estrogen and progesterone influence the bacteria that live in the gut and affect mood regulation. During the premenstrual phase when progesterone levels are higher, bloating, constipation, and mood swings often worsen. Approximately 50% to 80% of women experience premenstrual symptoms that affect daily life. An imbalance in gut bacteria can worsen gastrointestinal symptoms and mood disorders.

## What it means for you

Understanding how hormones affect gut health could help develop better treatments for premenstrual symptoms and mood problems. The information presented here is based on existing research and shows what is known about these connections. However, this does not represent new data from a study of real people.

50%-80%

of women experience premenstrual symptoms affecting daily life

## About the study

Original title The crucial link between gut health, mental well-being, and hormonal fluctuations in females Authors Harpreet Kour, Shruthi Andola Journal Indian Journal of Health Sciences and Biomedical Research (KLEU) Year 2024 Study design Survey study Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.4103/kleuhsj.kleuhsj_468_24](https://doi.org/10.4103/kleuhsj.kleuhsj_468_24)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Menstrual cycle and mood](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-cycle-mood/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[Anxiety and tension](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-anxiety/)[Bloating, breast tenderness and physical symptoms](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-physical-symptoms/)[Stress](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-stress/)[Diet and nutrition](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-diet/)[Omega-3 fatty acids](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-omega-3/)[Perimenopause and menopause](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-perimenopause/)[Pregnancy and postpartum](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-postpartum/)[IBS and gut symptoms](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-ibs-gi/)[Work and productivity](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-work/)[Relationships and partners](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-relationships/)[Quality of life and daily functioning](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-quality-of-life/)

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