Survey study, 2024
Does heart rate variability change predict who will have worse premenstrual mood?
No. The relationship is more complex. Only women whose heart rate variability increased (rather than decreased) during the luteal phase had worse premenstrual mood.
What they did
Observational study of 31 naturally cycling community women (average age 26 years) followed for six weeks. Participants completed daily mood ratings and attended lab visits during ovulatory, midluteal, and perimenstrual phases, with heart rate variability and salivary hormone measurements.
What they found
Most participants showed the expected decrease in heart rate variability from ovulation to midluteal phase. However, this decrease was not associated with worse premenstrual mood. Only the small subgroup with increased heart rate variability during the luteal phase had marked worsening of negative affect premenstrually and improvement after menstruation. These women may be making compensatory emotional regulation efforts.
What it means for you
Heart rate variability changes alone do not predict who will have mood problems before their period. The relationship is more complex than expected. Unusual heart rate patterns may reflect emotional regulation attempts. Main limits: very small sample, short study, unexpected findings need larger clinical replication.
31
Participants
26
Average age in years
6
Study duration in weeks
About the study
- Original title
- Associations of luteal phase changes in vagally mediated heart rate variability with premenstrual emotional changes
- Authors
- Schmalenberger KM, Eisenlohr-Moul TA, Jarczok MN et al.
- Journal
- BMC women's health
- Year
- 2024
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 31
- What was tested
- None - observational study
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1186/s12905-024-03273-y
Topics
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