This source analyzes a variety of past research regarding the menstrual cycle and mood disorders, while also diving into the ideal conditions in which to study a mood disorder and account for the different phases of the menstrual cycle. It criticizes previous studies for lack of detail on menstrual phases, if any are addressed at all, while also recognizing that accounting for each phase of the menstrual cycle/which phase a participant is in would require more time, effort, and money to each study. Altogether, they suggest that: (1) studies differentiate between menstruating, menopausal, and pre-menstrual females; (2) cortisol and melatonin studies tend to cite that the menstrual cycle is unlikely to affect results; (3) core body temperature and plasma norepinephrine fluctuate significantly across the cycle; (4) knowing if and when ovulation occurred in an individual is critical to true understanding of the menstrual cycle.