Survey study, 1984
How do pain sensitivity and anxiety change through the menstrual cycle?
Anxiety and a brain chemical were only linked during the menstrual phase. Pain sensitivity did not clearly change through the cycle.
What they did
Tested 16 women (9 not using birth control, 7 using it) at five different times through their cycle. Measured anxiety with a questionnaire, tested pain response using electric shock and cold water, and checked a brain chemical in the blood.
What they found
The brain chemical varied more around ovulation than at other times and varied least during the luteal phase. Anxiety and the brain chemical were connected only during the menstrual phase. Pain thresholds did not show a clear pattern through the cycle.
What it means for you
The connection between anxiety and this brain chemical may be strongest during the menstrual phase. The lack of clear pain changes was unexpected. The study was small and from 1984.
16
women studied
5
cycle phases tested
9
without birth control
About the study
- Original title
- Plasma beta-endorphin, pain thresholds and anxiety levels across the human menstrual cycle
- Authors
- Veith JL, Anderson J, Slade SA et al.
- Journal
- Physiology & behavior
- Year
- 1984
- Study design
- Survey study
- What was tested
- None
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/0031-9384(84)90065-9
Topics
Related studies
Survey study, 2021
Does the menstrual cycle affect women's ability to train and compete?
Study, 2026
What are premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder?
Study, 2025
Do women have different symptom patterns before, during, and after menopause?
Case-control study, 2007
Does progesterone activate the part of the brain that handles fear and emotion?
Survey study, 2025
Can a plant-based supplement reduce PMS symptoms?
Survey study, 2025
What is premenstrual syndrome and how can it be managed in adolescent girls?