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.
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
Topics
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