---
title: Does the menstrual cycle change how emotions affect pain? | Niyora
description: In this study, emotions affected pain the same way during both phases of the menstrual cycle tested, suggesting the menstrual cycle may not change emotional e
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/the-effect-of-the-menstrual-cycle-on-affective-modulation-of-pain-and-2010/
---

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- Does the menstrual cycle change how emotions affect pain?

Survey study, 2010

# Does the menstrual cycle change how emotions affect pain?

In this study, emotions affected pain the same way during both phases of the menstrual cycle tested, suggesting the menstrual cycle may not change emotional effects on pain in healthy women.

 Moderate study design

41 healthy women

## What they did

41 healthy women tracked their menstrual cycles for 3 months, then came to a lab during two different menstrual phases. Researchers showed them emotionally charged pictures and gave them small electrical shocks, measuring their pain responses and emotional reactions.

## What they found

Unpleasant emotional pictures made pain feel worse, while pleasant pictures made pain feel better. These effects were the same in both menstrual phases tested (mid-cycle and late luteal).

## What it means for you

In healthy women without menstrual pain disorders, emotions seem to affect pain the same way throughout the cycle. The researchers note this may not apply to women with PMDD or other menstrual cycle-related pain conditions.

41

Women studied

3

Menstrual cycles tracked

2

Testing sessions per woman

## About the study

Original title The effect of the menstrual cycle on affective modulation of pain and nociception in healthy women Authors Rhudy JL, Bartley EJ Journal Pain Year 2010 Study design Survey study Participants 41 What was tested Emotional pictures and electrical pain stimulation during two menstrual phases Read the paper [doi.org/10.1016/j.pain.2010.02.041](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pain.2010.02.041)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[Menstrual cycle and mood](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-cycle-mood/)[Pain and headache](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-pain/)[Chronic pain and fibromyalgia](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-chronic-pain/)

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