---
title: Does the menstrual cycle affect obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms?
description: Yes, all 12 studies found that OCD symptoms worsened during the premenstrual phase. However, most research relied on self-reports rather than objective measur
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/the-effect-of-the-menstrual-cycle-on-obsessive-compulsive-and-related-disorders-2026/
---

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- Does the menstrual cycle affect obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms?

Systematic review, 2026

# Does the menstrual cycle affect obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms?

Yes, all 12 studies found that OCD symptoms worsened during the premenstrual phase. However, most research relied on self-reports rather than objective measurements.

 Early or limited evidence

Women with obsessive-compulsive and related disorders

## What they did

Searched databases for peer-reviewed studies on the menstrual cycle and obsessive-compulsive or related disorders. Found 12 studies: 8 were retrospective cross-sectional, 1 was longitudinal, and 3 were case reports which were excluded from results.

## What they found

All 12 studies reported that OCD and related disorder symptoms worsened during the premenstrual phase. Of these, 10 studies examined OCD, 1 examined trichotillomania, and 1 examined both. Most assessed symptoms through self-reports. Only 1 study used a validated scale (the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale).

## What it means for you

The menstrual cycle appears to affect OCD symptoms, with premenstrual worsening reported in all studies. However, the evidence is limited because most studies are small, observational, and rely on self-reports rather than objective measurements. Large, longer-term studies using validated assessment tools are needed to understand how female sex hormones influence OCD.

12

peer-reviewed studies reviewed

10

studies examining OCD symptoms

8

retrospective cross-sectional studies

## About the study

Original title The effect of the menstrual cycle on obsessive-compulsive and related disorders: A scoping review Authors Mojgani JS, Rzepka AM, Kang Y et al. Journal Comprehensive psychiatry Year 2026 Study design Systematic review What was tested None (observational study of menstrual cycle effects) Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.1016/j.comppsych.2026.152696](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.comppsych.2026.152696)

## Topics

[Premenstrual exacerbation (PME)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pme/)[Bipolar disorder](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-bipolar/)[Anxiety disorders and OCD](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-anxiety-disorders/)

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