Mood changes during the menstrual cycle and their relation to the use of oral contraceptive

Abstract

The relation between the use of oral contraceptives and changes in positive and negative affect over the course of the menstrual cycle was studied in 50 women who completed a mood questionnaire daily during their menstrual cycle. Results indicated that users of oral contraceptives experience a higher level of positive affect during the cycle than do non-users. Positive affect scores were significantly higher than negative affect scores in the menstruation, follicular and luteal phases of the cycle. There were no significant differences between the groups and no discernible phasic changes on negative affect. Discussion of these findings centers on their implications concerning the relation between positive affect and oral contraceptives, the support they provide for the independence of positive and negative affect, and future directions for research in this area.

PIP: In Haifa, Israel, data on 30 women who did not use oral contraceptives (OCs) were compared with data on 20 women who did use OCs to examine mood levels and changes during the menstrual cycle and to test a 2-factor model of self-reported mood. Even though there was a significant difference in age between the 2 groups (p.013), age did not affect differences and similarities between the 2 groups in positive and negative affect. OC users were significantly more likely to have a higher positive affect than non-OC users during menses (p.01), the follicular phase (p.003), and the ovulatory phase (p.01). The negative affect pattern was similar for both groups. Some possible explanations for the higher level of positive affect in OC users are suggested. Perhaps OC users did not worry about unplanned pregnancy. Anticipation of negative physical changes which come with menstruation may account for the fall in positive affect during the premenstrual phase. Indeed a trend toward convergence between the scores of positive affect of both groups occurred during the few days before menstruation. Perhaps OC users were more content with their interpersonal relationships. Another reason may be personality differences between OC users and non-OC users. 2 follow up studies are planned, the 1st study trying to replicate this study's finding of higher positive affect levels in OC users and then a double-blind placebo study. If the 2nd study shows OCs do have a positive affect, more studies should be conducted to learn what active substances bring about this outcome.