[Reactions to stress during the normal menstrual cycle]

Abstract

In the present study, we questioned, whether the variability of physiological parameters within a menstrual cycle are connected with psychological variables like mood, state of health and positive/negative daily occurrences. We examined 20 women with normal cycles. The definition of a normal cycle was: 28 (+/- 5) days of length, standard weight according to Broca, 3-5 days menstrual bleeding, no oral contraceptive during the last 6 months, no IUP, inconspicuous hormones (no raised prolactin or testosterone levels), gynecologically unremarkable findings. Gynecological and psychological data were gathered daily during one menstrual cycle: hormone levels, vaginal ultrasound for detecting follicle growth, ovulation, corpus luteum and endometrial development. The psychological data on mood, state of health and positive/negative occurrences were recorded in parallel in the form of a diary, in which new entries were made daily. The results showed, that only 6 out of the 20 women had a normal menstrual cycle as defined above. Women with a normal (physiological) cycle, report in their diary: less negative bodily tendencies, more positive everyday situations, but the same amount of negative situations as women with noticeable cycles. Both the normal cycle group and the conspicuous cycle group report more negative body states and more negative moods in the premenstruum than the middle phase. The implications of these results are discussed.