---
title: Does aggression change during the menstrual cycle in borderline personality disorder?
description: Yes, different types of aggression change at different times in the cycle. Reactive aggression was highest during the days around the period, while a differen
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/differential-effects-of-the-menstrual-cycle-on-reactive-and-proactive-aggression-2018/
---

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- Does aggression change during the menstrual cycle in borderline personality disorder?

Study, 2018

# Does aggression change during the menstrual cycle in borderline personality disorder?

Yes, different types of aggression change at different times in the cycle. Reactive aggression was highest during the days around the period, while a different type of aggression (proactive) was highest during other parts of the cycle.

 Early or limited evidence

15 women with borderline personality disorder not taking medications

## What they did

15 women with borderline personality disorder who were not taking medications tracked their anger and aggression every day for 35 days across their menstrual cycle. Ovulation was confirmed with hormone tests.

## What they found

Reactive aggression and anger were highest during the perimenstrual phase (around menstruation). Proactive aggression was highest during the follicular and ovulatory phases of the cycle.

## What it means for you

This shows aggression may change during the menstrual cycle in women with this condition. Women might benefit from tracking their cycle to understand when symptoms may worsen. The study was small (15 women) with no control group, so more research is needed to confirm these patterns.

15

women with borderline personality disorder

35 days

duration of tracking

## About the study

Original title Differential Effects of the Menstrual Cycle on Reactive and Proactive Aggression in Borderline Personality Disorder Authors Peters JR, Owens SA, Schmalenberger KM et al. Journal bioRxiv Year 2018 Study design Study What was tested Daily tracking of anger and aggression Read the paper [doi.org/10.1101/452607](https://doi.org/10.1101/452607)

## Topics

[Premenstrual exacerbation (PME)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pme/)[Menstrual cycle and mood](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-cycle-mood/)[Dysmenorrhea and period pain](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-dysmenorrhea/)[Irritability and anger](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-irritability-anger/)[Borderline personality disorder](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-bpd/)

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