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Positive perimenstrual changes: toward a new perspective on the menstrual cycle
1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA.
Journal of Psychosomatic Research
|January 1, 1988
Summary
Some women experience positive perimenstrual changes, including increased energy and well-being. This research highlights the complexity beyond negative symptoms, documenting positive mood and performance shifts during the perimenstrual phase.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Women's Health
- Psychoneuroendocrinology
Background:
- Perimenstrual phase research often exhibits a negative bias, overlooking positive experiences.
- The complexity of perimenstrual phenomena is not fully captured by focusing solely on negative symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document the prevalence of positive changes during the perimenstrual phase.
- To counterbalance the stereotypical negative bias in existing research.
- To explore the multifaceted nature of perimenstrual experiences.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and analysis of existing data on perimenstrual experiences.
- Documentation of reported positive changes in mood, energy, and performance.
- Identification of key areas for future research.
Main Results:
- Approximately 5-15% of women report increased excitement, energy, and well-being perimenstrually.
- Many women experience heightened sexuality, increased activity, and improved task performance.
- Positive perimenstrual changes are a significant, though under-researched, aspect of women's health.
Conclusions:
- The perimenstrual phase is associated with both negative and positive changes, necessitating a balanced research perspective.
- Future research should investigate individual variations in hormonal responses and the influence of beliefs on perimenstrual experiences.
- Understanding positive perimenstrual changes is crucial for a comprehensive view of women's reproductive health.