Taking a retrospective approach, this study looks into previous works which delve into the relationship between mood disorders and the menstrual cycle. Specifically, they key-word searched English and Turkish studies related to depression, bpd, premenstrual syndrome, premenstrual exacerbation, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, menstrual cycle, and suicide. By looking into a variety of cases, there are proposals made and conclusions drawn: (1) there are significantly higher rates of psychiatric admissions during the pre-menstrual (luteal) phase; (2) there are significantly higher rates of suicide attempts during the menses; (3) 58% of patients tend to experience an exacerbation of depression symptoms during menstruation, particularly: sleep, appetite, and feelings of worthlessness; (4) proposal: exacerbation of depression-like symptoms may be a function of the menstrual cycle which all females experience, to varying degrees; (5) periodic psychosis may exist: those who display symptoms of psychosis during certain phases of the menstrual cycle. 

Summary & Conclusions

Akdeniz, F., & Karadag, F. (2006). Does menstrual cycle affect mood disorders?. Turk Psikiyatri Dergisi, 17(4), 296.

Rutgers University

References for the Menstrual Cycle & Mental Health

Rasgon, N., Bauer, M., Glenn, T., Elman, S., & Whybrow, P. C. (2003). Menstrual cycle related mood changes in women with bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorders, 5(1), 48-52.

Menstrual Cycle Related Mood Changes in Women with Bipolar Disorder

Albert, K., Pruessner, J., & Newhouse, P. (2015). Estradiol levels modulate brain activity and negative responses to psychosocial stress across the menstrual cycle. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 59, 14-24.

Estradiol Levels Modulate Brain Activity and Negative Responses to Psychosocial Stress Across the Menstrual Cycle

Mihm, M., Gangooly, S., & Muttukrishna, S. (2011). The normal menstrual cycle in women. Animal reproduction science, 124(3-4), 229-236. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anireprosci.2010.08.030

The Normal Menstrual Cycle in Women

Van Goozen, S. H., Wiegant, V. M., Endert, E., Helmond, F. A., & Van de Poll, N. E. (1997). Psychoendocrinological assessment of the menstrual cycle: the relationship between hormones, sexuality, and mood. Archives of sexual behavior, 26, 359-382.

Psychoendocrinological Assessment of the Menstrual Cycle: the Relationship Between Hormones, Sexuality, and Mood

Leibenluft, E., Fiero, P. L., & Rubinow, D. R. (1994). Effects of the menstrual cycle on dependent variables in mood disorder research. Archives of General Psychiatry, 51(10), 761-781.

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