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.

Conclusions of the Study

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.

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

Effects of the Menstrual Cycle on Dependent Variables in Mood Disorder Research

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

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