Mood shifts and the menstrual cycle

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Abstract

This study used the reports of 30 healthy young women to examine the relation between mood changes and the menstrual cycle. One of the more important findings, from the standpoint of the research methods used in this area, is that there was no correspondence between one-time-retrospective reports of menstrual mood variations and the actual reports of mood at different points in the menstrual cycle. Mood changes were not significantly related to physical symptoms or to the degree of physiological distress experienced during the menstrual cycle. Dividing the cycle into 3 phases, 50% of this group had their lowest, their most depressed, mood at the premenstrual phase while 40% felt worst at the menstrual phase (the remaining 10% have a low at midcycle). Interview and psychological test information suggested that these 2 major groups may differ in some important attitudes and feelings.

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