Study, 2019
Is stress higher during the premenstrual phase of the menstrual cycle?
Yes. Women experienced clearly higher stress and blood pressure during the premenstrual phase compared to after their period. Heart rate also increased more during physical challenges during the premenstrual phase.
What they did
A study measured stress levels and heart function in 60 healthy women aged 18 to 22 during different phases of their menstrual cycle. They used a stress questionnaire and physical tests including cold water exposure and standing up suddenly.
What they found
Perceived stress, heart rate, and resting blood pressure were clearly higher during the premenstrual period compared to the postmenstrual period. Blood pressure increased more during physical tests during the premenstrual phase than the postmenstrual phase.
What it means for you
Stress and physical stress responses increase naturally during the second half of the menstrual cycle. This may be related to higher estrogen and progesterone levels at that time. The study only included healthy young women without PMS, so we cannot know if women with PMS experience even larger changes.
60
women studied
18-22
age in years
About the study
- Original title
- Comparison of perceived stress and cardiovascular reactivity during different phases of menstrual cycle
- Authors
- Amita Pardeshi
- Journal
- National Journal of Physiology Pharmacy and Pharmacology
- Year
- 2019
- Study design
- Study
- Participants
- 60
- What was tested
- None. Observational study measuring stress and heart responses across different cycle phases
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.5455/njppp.2019.9.0829803092019
Topics
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