--- title: Does the menstrual cycle phase affect how trauma memories form? description: Women who experienced trauma while in the luteal phase were more likely to develop strong traumatic flashback memories. The effect was stronger if they were i url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/the-association-between-menstrual-cycle-and-traumatic-memories-2011/ --- - [Niyora](https://niyora.com/) - [Research](https://niyora.com/research/) - [Library](https://niyora.com/research/library/) - Does the menstrual cycle phase affect how trauma memories form? Survey study, 2011 # Does the menstrual cycle phase affect how trauma memories form? Women who experienced trauma while in the luteal phase were more likely to develop strong traumatic flashback memories. The effect was stronger if they were in the luteal phase when assessed later, though the study was small. Early or limited evidence 138 women hospitalized after traumatic injury ## What they did Researchers studied 138 women admitted to hospital after traumatic injury. They recorded which phase of the menstrual cycle each woman was in when the trauma happened, using the number of days since her last period. They also assessed women for traumatic flashback memories. ## What they found 23 women (17%) were in the mid-luteal phase when trauma occurred, and 29 women (21%) were in the mid-luteal phase at assessment. Women who were in the luteal phase during trauma were more likely to experience flashback memories (22% vs. 9% in other phases). Women who were in the luteal phase at assessment were 4.89 times more likely to have flashbacks. ## What it means for you Being in the luteal phase during trauma may strengthen traumatic memory formation, possibly through changes in the stress hormone cortisol. However, this is a small study of women with specific injuries, so we cannot be sure the findings apply broadly. The study shows a connection but cannot prove cause and effect. 22% had flashbacks if in luteal phase during trauma 9% had flashbacks in other cycle phases 4.89 times more likely to have flashbacks if in luteal phase at assessment ## About the study Original title The association between menstrual cycle and traumatic memories Authors Bryant RA, Felmingham KL, Silove D et al. Journal Journal of affective disorders Year 2011 Study design Survey study Participants 138 Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2010.10.049](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2010.10.049) Original abstract Background: Women in the mid-luteal phase of the menstrual cycle have been shown to have stronger emotional memories than other women. We investigated the extent to which experiencing a traumatic event during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle is associated with stronger traumatic flashback memories. Methods: Consecutive female patients admitted to hospital after traumatic injury (n=138) were assessed for days since last menstruation, as well as assessment of flashbacks. Twenty three (17%) women were in the mid-luteal phase (18-24) days at the time of trauma exposure and 29 (21%) were in the mid-luteal phase at the time of assessment. Results: Women were more likely to experience flashback memories if they were in the luteal phase during the trauma (22% vs. 9%), adjusted OR: 3.64 [95%CI: 0.99-13.29] after controlling for injury severity, age, trauma type, and mild traumatic brain injury. Women in the luteal phase at assessment were 4.89 times more likely to have flashbacks. Adjusted OR: 4.89 [95%CI: 1.39-17.86]. Conclusions: Increased glucocorticoid release associated with the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle may facilitate consolidation of trauma memories. Reproduced under CC-BY. ## Topics [Menstrual cycle and mood](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-cycle-mood/)[PTSD and trauma](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-ptsd-trauma/) 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 Study, 2026 Do anxiety and depression get worse before your period if you already have a mental health condition? Survey study, 2025 Do adverse childhood experiences increase PMS and menstrual symptoms in adulthood? Survey study, 2025 What psychological and personal factors predict which university students will develop premenstrual syndrome? Survey study, 2024 Did COVID-19 stress cause changes in menstrual cycles? Systematic review, 2022 Do anxiety disorders, PTSD and OCD get worse at certain points in the menstrual cycle? Survey study, 2021 Did COVID-19 stress make PMS worse for young women? Ask AI about this page Copy prompt ChatGPT ↗ Claude ↗ Perplexity ↗ Google AI Mode ↗ Grok ↗