Survey study, 1983
Does the menstrual cycle cause mental health problems?
The menstrual cycle likely does not cause mental health problems on its own. The authors argue that mood and mental health are affected by a combination of hormonal changes, personality, stress, and life circumstances.
What they did
The authors reviewed published research on psychiatric illness and the menstrual cycle to evaluate the evidence for a causal link.
What they found
While higher rates of mental health problems occur in women compared to men, the evidence does not support the idea that menstrual cycle hormones alone cause psychiatric illness. The authors propose that hormonal changes interact with personality, social stress, and life circumstances.
What it means for you
PMS and mood problems are complicated and not caused by hormones alone. This review argues that many factors contribute, not just menstrual cycle changes. However, the review does not present new data to test this idea.
About the study
- Original title
- The relationship between psychopathology and the menstrual cycle
- Authors
- Clare AW
- Journal
- Women & health
- Year
- 1983
- Study design
- Survey study
- What was tested
- None
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1300/j013v08n02_07
Topics
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