Interview study, 2023
Does the menstrual cycle affect mental health in women admitted to hospital for psychiatric care?
Of 16 women who had a recent period, 10 reported that their mental health got worse before their period. Symptoms included increased thoughts of suicide, anger, low mood, and unusual experiences.
What they did
Researchers asked 21 women admitted to a psychiatric inpatient ward questions about their menstrual cycle. They analyzed answers from 16 women who had a period in the last 12 months. Seven of these women also joined a focus group discussion held in November 2021.
What they found
Of the 16 women with recent periods, 10 reported mental health changes related to their cycle. Pre-menstrual symptoms included increased suicidality, anger, low mood, and unusual experiences. Women said they wanted to discuss menstrual health with a female doctor in a private setting rather than in the ward round.
What it means for you
Women in psychiatric care may experience worsening mental health before their period, which doctors may not be routinely asking about. The study is very small and describes one hospital ward, so findings may not apply to all women or other settings. The research was qualitative (descriptive) so it captures experiences but doesn't measure prevalence in larger populations.
16
women with recent periods
10
reported mental health changes with cycle
38
mean age in years
About the study
- Original title
- Exploring the Relationship Between the Menstrual Cycle and Women's Mental Health in a Female Inpatient Ward
- Authors
- Allberry H, Jones L, Wilson C et al.
- Journal
- BJPsych open
- Year
- 2023
- Study design
- Interview study
- Participants
- 16
- What was tested
- Survey and focus group discussion about menstrual cycle and mental health
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1192/bjo.2023.176
Topics
Related studies
Survey study, 2024
How do hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle affect gut health and mood?
Systematic review, 2026
Why do some women experience mood changes linked to their menstrual cycle?
Study, 2026
What are premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder?
Survey study, 2025
Do women with bipolar disorder who had PMS or postpartum depression have worse mood problems during menopause?
Study, 2025
Does anger get worse before your period?
Survey study, 2025
How do personality traits like neuroticism affect PMS severity and sexual satisfaction?