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Unusual cleaning behavior in the luteal phase
1Western New England College, Springfield, MA 01119.
Psychological Reports
|February 1, 1992
Summary
Women experienced unusual cleaning behaviors more often during the luteal phase of their menstrual cycle. This suggests a potential link between progesterone fluctuations and obsessive-compulsive tendencies.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive endocrinology
- Behavioral science
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Menstrual cycle phases are associated with hormonal fluctuations.
- Hormonal changes can influence mood and behavior.
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) involves compulsive behaviors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between menstrual cycle phases and unusual cleaning behaviors in undergraduate women.
- To explore potential links between hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle and obsessive-compulsive tendencies.
Main Methods:
- 18 undergraduate women tracked unusual cleaning episodes and menstruation dates over two months.
- Data were analyzed to correlate cleaning behaviors with specific menstrual cycle phases.
Main Results:
- Unusual cleaning episodes were significantly more frequent during the luteal phase compared to other cycle phases.
- This correlation was observed in women not using oral contraceptives.
Conclusions:
- The luteal phase of the menstrual cycle may be associated with an increased likelihood of unusual cleaning behaviors.
- Progesterone level changes during the luteal phase could potentially influence behaviors related to obsessive-compulsive disorders.