---
title: Does light exposure affect menstrual cycles through melatonin?
description: Yes, there is evidence that light exposure affects menstrual cycles and symptoms through melatonin secretion. Women with bipolar disorder or polycystic ovary
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/light-exposure-melatonin-secretion-and-menstrual-cycle-parameters-an-integrative-2007/
---

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- Does light exposure affect menstrual cycles through melatonin?

Systematic review, 2007

# Does light exposure affect menstrual cycles through melatonin?

Yes, there is evidence that light exposure affects menstrual cycles and symptoms through melatonin secretion. Women with bipolar disorder or polycystic ovary syndrome may be especially vulnerable.

 Moderate study design

Systematic review of existing research (no specific participant number given)

## What they did

Systematic review examining whether light exposure and melatonin secretion influence menstrual cycle function and symptoms including irregular cycles and disordered ovulation.

## What they found

Evidence showed a relationship between light exposure, melatonin secretion, and irregular menstrual cycles, menstrual cycle symptoms, and disordered ovarian function. Women with bipolar disorder or polycystic ovary syndrome showed greater vulnerability to light-dark exposure effects.

## What it means for you

Light exposure may be a modifiable factor affecting menstrual problems, especially for women with certain conditions like bipolar disorder or PCOS. Understanding this could lead to new treatments for menstrual disorders. However, this is a review of existing knowledge, not new research, and exact mechanisms remain unclear.

## About the study

Original title Light exposure, melatonin secretion, and menstrual cycle parameters: an integrative review Authors Barron ML Journal Biological research for nursing Year 2007 Study design Systematic review What was tested Light exposure and darkness Read the paper [doi.org/10.1177/1099800407303337](https://doi.org/10.1177/1099800407303337)

## Topics

[Menstrual cycle and mood](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-cycle-mood/)[Sleep and insomnia](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-sleep/)[Light therapy and sleep deprivation](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-light-therapy/)[Bipolar disorder](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-bipolar/)[Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-pcos/)

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