Survey study, 1997
Does the menstrual cycle affect compulsive hair-pulling?
Yes. Women reported premenstrual worsening of hair-pulling urges, frequency, and difficulty controlling the behavior, with improvement during menstruation. Pregnancy effects were variable.
What they did
Cross-sectional survey of 59 people with trichotillomania (compulsive hair-pulling) from clinics and a hair-pulling conference. Used questionnaires about menstrual cycle and pregnancy effects, plus the Beck Depression Inventory and Beck Anxiety Inventory.
What they found
Premenstrual symptom exacerbation was reported for hair-pulling urge intensity, frequency, and ability to control pulling. Symptoms were alleviated during menstruation and shortly thereafter. Pregnancy effects were less clear, with both worsening and improvement reported.
What it means for you
The menstrual cycle affects compulsive hair-pulling, with predictable worsening before periods and improvement during them. This should be recognized in assessing and treating the disorder. The impact of pregnancy on hair-pulling is less clear and needs more study. This is a small, self-reported sample.
59
people with trichotillomania
About the study
- Original title
- The relationship of menstrual cycle and pregnancy to compulsive hairpulling
- Authors
- Keuthen NJ, O'Sullivan RL, Hayday CF et al.
- Journal
- Psychotherapy and psychosomatics
- Year
- 1997
- Study design
- Survey study
- What was tested
- None (observational survey)
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1159/000289103
Topics
Related studies
Case-control study, 2006
Are hormone-related chemicals different in women with mood disorders during the menstrual cycle?
Systematic review, 2022
Do mental health disorders get worse during the menstrual cycle?
Study, 2026
Do anxiety and depression get worse before your period if you already have a mental health condition?
Study, 2026
What are premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder?
Survey study, 2025
Do women with bipolar disorder who had PMS or postpartum depression have worse mood problems during menopause?
Lab study, 2018
How does depression affect menstrual function and fertility in women?