Does mood, well-being, and sexual function change across the menstrual cycle?

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.

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