Review, 2025
How does the menstrual cycle affect psychiatric symptoms like depression and anxiety?
Many women experience worsening psychiatric symptoms during the premenstrual and menstrual phases due to hormonal changes in estrogen and progesterone. Treatment should monitor symptoms across the menstrual cycle and may include lifestyle changes, therapy, antidepressants, or hormonal therapies.
What they did
Literature review examining how menstrual cycle phases affect various psychiatric disorders including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia in women.
What they found
Many women report increased severity of psychiatric symptoms during specific menstrual cycle phases. Both hormonal and psychosocial factors contribute to heightened vulnerability during these phases.
What it means for you
Understanding the connection between menstrual cycle and psychiatric symptoms helps improve diagnosis and treatment planning. This is a review article summarizing existing knowledge rather than a new research study.
About the study
- Original title
- Unmasking the cycle: Premenstrual and menstrual exacerbation of psychiatric disorders and impact on female mental health
- Authors
- Mazza M, Marano G
- Journal
- World journal of psychiatry
- Year
- 2025
- Study design
- Review
- What was tested
- Not applicable - literature review.
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.5498/wjp.v15.i8.107132
Topics
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