---
title: Which hormones change across the menstrual cycle? | Niyora
description: Body temperature and adrenaline-related chemicals change predictably. Prolactin and serotonin may change around ovulation. Thyroid hormones and cortisol appea
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/effects-of-the-menstrual-cycle-on-dependent-variables-in-mood-disorder-research-1994/
---

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- Which hormones change across the menstrual cycle?

Review, 1994

# Which hormones change across the menstrual cycle?

Body temperature and adrenaline-related chemicals change predictably. Prolactin and serotonin may change around ovulation. Thyroid hormones and cortisol appear stable.

 Moderate study design

Review of research on the normal menstrual cycle and hormones

## What they did

Reviewed published research on how the menstrual cycle affects hormones and body systems measured in mood disorder studies.

## What they found

Body temperature and norepinephrine vary predictably. Prolactin and beta-endorphin may peak around ovulation, and serotonin may reach a low point then. Thyroid hormones (T3, T4), cortisol, and melatonin show no systematic variation. Data on growth hormone, TSH, ACTH, and sleep were inconclusive.

## What it means for you

The menstrual cycle affects some hormones but not others. Researchers measuring hormones in mood studies need to consider cycle timing. This is a review of older literature and may need updating.

## About the study

Original title Effects of the menstrual cycle on dependent variables in mood disorder research Authors Leibenluft E, Fiero PL, Rubinow DR Journal Archives of general psychiatry Year 1994 Study design Review What was tested None Read the paper [doi.org/10.1001/archpsyc.1994.03950100009002](https://doi.org/10.1001/archpsyc.1994.03950100009002)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Menstrual cycle and mood](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-cycle-mood/)[Sleep and insomnia](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-sleep/)[Stress](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-stress/)[Major depressive disorder](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-major-depression/)[Thyroid disorders](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-thyroid/)

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