Systematic review, 2026
Does the menstrual cycle affect obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms?
Yes, all 12 studies found that OCD symptoms worsened during the premenstrual phase. However, most research relied on self-reports rather than objective measurements.
What they did
Searched databases for peer-reviewed studies on the menstrual cycle and obsessive-compulsive or related disorders. Found 12 studies: 8 were retrospective cross-sectional, 1 was longitudinal, and 3 were case reports which were excluded from results.
What they found
All 12 studies reported that OCD and related disorder symptoms worsened during the premenstrual phase. Of these, 10 studies examined OCD, 1 examined trichotillomania, and 1 examined both. Most assessed symptoms through self-reports. Only 1 study used a validated scale (the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale).
What it means for you
The menstrual cycle appears to affect OCD symptoms, with premenstrual worsening reported in all studies. However, the evidence is limited because most studies are small, observational, and rely on self-reports rather than objective measurements. Large, longer-term studies using validated assessment tools are needed to understand how female sex hormones influence OCD.
12
peer-reviewed studies reviewed
10
studies examining OCD symptoms
8
retrospective cross-sectional studies
About the study
- Original title
- The effect of the menstrual cycle on obsessive-compulsive and related disorders: A scoping review
- Authors
- Mojgani JS, Rzepka AM, Kang Y et al.
- Journal
- Comprehensive psychiatry
- Year
- 2026
- Study design
- Systematic review
- What was tested
- None (observational study of menstrual cycle effects)
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/j.comppsych.2026.152696
Topics
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