Survey study, 2004
Does the body's stress response change during the menstrual cycle?
Yes. The body's stress response changes at different times in the menstrual cycle, with stronger responses during the second half of the cycle. Women show a different overall pattern than men.
What they did
14 women completed two mental stress tests at different points in their menstrual cycles. The same tests were given to 14 men, spaced the same number of days apart. Researchers measured heart rate, blood pressure, and how the heart's rhythm changes during stress.
What they found
During the second half of the menstrual cycle, the body's stress response system was more active compared to the first half. The calming response system was lower during the second half. Women overall showed different nervous system patterns than men, with more calming response and less stress activation. People rated the mental tasks as equally difficult regardless of cycle timing or gender.
What it means for you
The body's stress response changes predictably during the menstrual cycle, which may explain why some women feel more stress at certain times. This is a small study using a specific lab task, so results may not reflect stress responses during everyday life.
14
women tested
14
men tested
About the study
- Original title
- Cardiovascular reactivity to mental stress: relationship with menstrual cycle and gender
- Authors
- Sato N, Miyake S
- Journal
- Journal of physiological anthropology and applied human science
- Year
- 2004
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 14
- What was tested
- Mental stress tests (what was measured).
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.2114/jpa.23.215
Topics
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