Review, 2024
How do hormones during the menstrual cycle affect emotions and behavior?
Estrogen before ovulation increases confidence and attractiveness. Progesterone during the luteal phase promotes stable relationships but causes PMS in many women.
What they did
Reviewed recent research on how the menstrual cycle affects emotions, needs, and symptoms across different phases, and summarized strategies to manage cyclical changes.
What they found
Hormonal changes strongly impact emotions and pain. Estrogen before ovulation increases confidence and attractiveness, which can lead to new relationships. Progesterone during the luteal phase promotes stable relationships, but a large proportion of women experience PMS during this time. The review summarizes strategies for working with women's cyclical variability.
What it means for you
Your emotions and social preferences shift predictably with hormonal changes across your cycle. Understanding these patterns may help you anticipate needs and changes. As a review of other research, it synthesizes existing knowledge rather than providing new data.
About the study
- Original title
- The impact of the menstrual cycle on emotions and behavior—A review of current research
- Authors
- Magdalena Kurpanik, Maja Grzybowska, Karolina Helena Krupa-Kotara et al.
- Journal
- Applied Psychology Research
- Year
- 2024
- Study design
- Review
- What was tested
- Not applicable
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.59400/apr.v3i2.1432
Original abstract
The menstrual cycle has attracted the interest of many researchers for many years. It is analyzed from many angles, including its impact on mental health. Hormonal changes over the course of the cycle have a very strong impact on the emotions, needs, or pain experienced. Estrogen, secreted shortly before ovulation, influences increased confidence and feelings of attractiveness, which can lead to new relationships. In contrast, progesterone, secreted during the luteal phase, promotes the strengthening of stable relationships, and a large proportion of women may experience premenstrual syndrome (PMS) during this time. This publication discusses studies from recent years that have assessed the variability of women’s needs and emerging symptoms during different phases of the cycle. It also summarizes any strategies and practical tips needed to work with women considering their cyclical variability.
Reproduced under CC-BY.
Topics
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