--- title: Does the tendency to ruminate make PMS mood swings worse? | Niyora description: No. This larger study found that trait rumination did not predict whether women experienced more mood changes across their cycle, contradicting some earlier s url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/is-trait-rumination-associated-with-affective-reactivity-to-the-menstrual-cycle-2024/ --- - [Niyora](https://niyora.com/) - [Research](https://niyora.com/research/) - [Library](https://niyora.com/research/library/) - Does the tendency to ruminate make PMS mood swings worse? Cohort study, 2024 # Does the tendency to ruminate make PMS mood swings worse? No. This larger study found that trait rumination did not predict whether women experienced more mood changes across their cycle, contradicting some earlier smaller studies. Rumination may not be a useful treatment target for PMS mood disorders. Moderate study design 190 naturally cycling individuals, mean age 30.82 years, 61.1% Caucasian, all with moderate perceived stress ## What they did Prospective cohort study of 190 naturally cycling people, average age 30.82 years. All screened for moderate stress. They completed a questionnaire measuring rumination at baseline, then reported daily mood and symptoms across 1 to 6 cycles. Researchers used statistical models to test if rumination predicted baseline mood and cyclical mood changes. ## What they found The degree of mood cyclicity (how much mood changed across the cycle) varied widely across the group in a normal distribution. Higher brooding (a type of rumination) did not predict baseline mood levels or cyclical mood changes in any symptom. Even in the subgroup that had increases in negative mood during the luteal phase (premenstrual time), brooding predicted higher baseline negative mood but did not predict how much mood changed with the cycle. ## What it means for you This study contradicts earlier smaller studies suggesting rumination makes PMS worse. Rumination may not be a key target for treating PMS mood disorders, though rumination could still be part of treatment. The study looked at trait rumination, so temporary rumination during the cycle should still be explored. More research on other cognitive factors might help develop better treatments. 190 individuals studied 30.82 mean age in years 1-6 number of menstrual cycles tracked per person ## About the study Original title Is trait rumination associated with affective reactivity to the menstrual cycle? A prospective analysis Authors Tauseef HA, Schmalenberger KM, Barone JC et al. Journal Psychological medicine Year 2024 Study design Cohort study Participants 190 What was tested None (observational study) Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.1017/s0033291723003793](https://doi.org/10.1017/s0033291723003793) ## Topics [Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[Premenstrual exacerbation (PME)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pme/)[Menstrual cycle and mood](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-cycle-mood/)[Reproductive hormone sensitivity](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-hormone-sensitivity/)[Cognition, concentration and memory](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-cognition/) Research tells you what helps on average. Niyora helps on the day it hits. Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor. ## Related studies Review, 2025 How do hormone changes across the menstrual cycle affect mood and behavior in psychiatric disorders? Case-control study, 2012 Do women with PMDD have working memory problems linked to concentration and irritability? Case report, 2025 Can whey protein help premenstrual dysphoric disorder symptoms? Cohort study, 2019 Why should psychologists research and treat premenstrual disorders more? Systematic review, 2026 Do brain wave patterns change across the menstrual cycle? Systematic review, 2026 Can digital tools help diagnose PMDD? Ask AI about this page Copy prompt ChatGPT ↗ Claude ↗ Perplexity ↗ Google AI Mode ↗ Grok ↗