--- title: Does mood, well-being, and sexual function change across the menstrual cycle? description: No, there were no meaningful changes in sexual function, mood, or well-being across menstrual cycle phases in healthy young women. Being in a stable relations url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/associations-between-menstrual-cycle-phases-and-sexuality-well-being-and-mood-in-2025/ --- - [Niyora](https://niyora.com/) - [Research](https://niyora.com/research/) - [Library](https://niyora.com/research/library/) - Does mood, well-being, and sexual function change across the menstrual cycle? Randomised trial, 2025 # Does mood, well-being, and sexual function change across the menstrual cycle? No, there were no meaningful changes in sexual function, mood, or well-being across menstrual cycle phases in healthy young women. Being in a stable relationship predicted better sexual function overall, but cycle phase did not. Strong study design 171 young healthy women with regular menstrual cycles, from a contraceptive trial ## What they did 171 young healthy women on placebo were assessed at baseline and after three cycles. At follow-up, hormone tests confirmed their cycle phases: early follicular (92), ovulation (32), and luteal (29). Researchers administered validated questionnaires about sexual function, sexual activity, distress, well-being, and mood. ## What they found There were small, non-significant variations in sexual function, well-being, and mood between different menstrual cycle phases. Women in stable relationships had significantly better overall sexual function than single women, regardless of cycle phase. ## What it means for you For healthy young women, the menstrual cycle does not systematically change mood, well-being, or sexual function in the way often assumed. This is the largest study to date with hormone-verified cycle phases and a pre-registered protocol, making it more reliable than earlier research. Relationship status matters more for sexual function than cycle phase. 171 women studied 92 women in early follicular phase p > 0.05 no significant cycle phase differences ## About the study Original title Associations between menstrual cycle phases and sexuality, well-being and mood in young healthy women Authors Tornvall S, Blomberg L, Hirschberg AL Journal Psychoneuroendocrinology Year 2025 Study design Randomised trial Participants 171 What was tested Placebo (secondary analysis; no active intervention) Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.1016/j.psyneuen.2025.107613](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psyneuen.2025.107613) Original abstract The objective of this study was to investigate the association of menstrual cycle phases on sexual function, well-being, and mood in young healthy women. Previous research has shown inconclusive results likely due to using non-validated methods for classification of menstrual cycle phases and/or small sample sizes. In this study, secondary analyses were performed on data from an earlier double-blind, randomized controlled trial with the main object to study the effects of oral contraceptives on young healthy women. The regularly cycling women randomized to placebo (n = 171) were examined at baseline (early follicular phase) and after three cycles of placebo treatment. At the follow-up visit, individuals were in different randomly distributed menstrual cycle phases: early follicular phase (n = 92), ovulation (n = 32), and luteal phase (n = 29), as confirmed by hormone measurements. The outcomes of this study were scores on the validated questionnaires Profile of Female Sexual Function, Sexual Activity Log, Personal Distress Scale, Psychological General Well-Being Index and Beck Depression Inventory. The intra-individual change in scores from baseline to follow-up for the three groups was analyzed using ordinary least squares regression adjusted for age, relationship, and education. There were small, non-significant variations in sexual function, well-being and mood between the different phases of the menstrual cycle (p > 0.05). However, participants who were in a stable relationship had an overall significantly better sexuality than those who were single (p < 0.001). This is the largest longitudinal study to date with a pre-registered protocol and hormonally verified cycle phases, showing no systematic variation in sexual function, mood, or well-being across the menstrual cycle in young healthy women. The results can be used to improve counseling about normal menstrual cycle variations in mood and behavior in young women with concerns. Reproduced under CC-BY. ## Topics [Menstrual cycle and mood](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-cycle-mood/)[Libido and sexual function](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-sexual-function/)[Oral contraceptives and drospirenone](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-hormonal-contraceptives/)[Psychotherapy, counselling and education](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-psychotherapy/)[Relationships and partners](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-relationships/)[Quality of life and daily functioning](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-quality-of-life/)[Adolescents and young people](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-adolescents/) Research tells you what helps on average. Niyora helps on the day it hits. Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor. ## Related studies Study, 2026 What coping strategies help women manage PMS symptoms? 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