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Anxiety and mood fluctuation during the normal menstrual cycle
Psychosomatic Medicine
|May 1, 1982
Summary
This study found minimal mood and behavioral changes in healthy women during their menstrual cycle, with only water retention being statistically significant. Most premenstrual symptoms were not significant in this group.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive endocrinology
- Psychoneuroendocrinology
- Women's health
Background:
- Menstrual cycle phases are associated with hormonal fluctuations.
- Potential links between hormonal changes and mood/behavioral shifts are of interest.
- Previous research indicates varied symptom severity among individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate daily pregnanediol excretion.
- To assess mood and behavioral fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle.
- To evaluate symptom severity in women screened for psychopathology.
Main Methods:
- Daily monitoring of pregnanediol excretion.
- Use of the Moos Menstrual Distress Questionnaire (MDQ).
- Administration of the Spielberger State Anxiety Scale.
Main Results:
- Minor fluctuations observed in MDQ ratings.
- Only water retention achieved statistical significance.
- Nonsignificant premenstrual elevations noted on other MDQ scales and anxiety measures.
Conclusions:
- Healthy women experience minimal menstrual cycle-related mood and behavioral changes.
- Water retention is a significant premenstrual symptom in this population.
- Further research may explore subtle physiological and psychological correlations.