Does Ovulating Make You Emotional?
Ovulation, the process where a mature egg is released from the ovary, is a natural and essential part of a woman's menstrual cycle.
Does Ovulating Make You Emotional?
Women often encounter a range of emotional experiences throughout their menstrual cycle. However, there's a longstanding belief that ovulation directly correlates with heightened emotions, leading to mood swings and irritability. But is there any truth to this claim? Let's delve into the science behind ovulation and its potential impact on emotions.
Understanding Ovulation
Ovulation typically occurs midway through the menstrual cycle, around day 14 in a 28-day cycle, although this can vary from woman to woman. During ovulation, hormonal changes trigger the release of an egg from the ovary, preparing the body for potential fertilization. This hormonal shift is primarily governed by estrogen and luteinizing hormone (LH), which surge to facilitate ovulation.
The Role of Hormones
Hormones play a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions, including mood and emotions. Estrogen, often referred to as the "female hormone," has been associated with mood regulation. It exerts its influence on neurotransmitters such as serotonin, which is involved in mood stability. However, the idea that ovulation leads to a surge in estrogen substantial enough to cause emotional upheaval is not entirely accurate.
Research Findings
Numerous studies have explored the relationship between ovulation and emotional changes, with mixed results. While some research suggests a potential link between hormonal fluctuations during ovulation and mood alterations, the evidence is not definitive. For example, a study published in the journal Evolution and Human Behavior found that women experience subtle changes in mood and behavior during ovulation, such as increased flirtatiousness, but these changes were not universally negative or disruptive.
Another study published in ScienceDirect concluded that while women may experience slight mood fluctuations during the menstrual cycle, there was no significant increase in negative emotions during ovulation, in fact, mood worsening is strongest during menses.₁
Psychological Factors
It's essential to recognize that emotional experiences are influenced by a variety of factors beyond hormonal fluctuations. Stress, lifestyle, interpersonal relationships, and individual differences all contribute to how a person feels at any given time. Therefore, attributing emotional changes solely to ovulation oversimplifies the complex interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors.
Cultural Perceptions and Stereotypes
The notion of ovulation making women emotional may also stem from cultural stereotypes and societal expectations surrounding menstruation. Women have long been portrayed as emotionally volatile during their menstrual cycles, perpetuating the idea that hormonal changes dictate mood entirely. Challenging these stereotypes requires an understanding of the menstrual cycle and its effects on emotional well-being.
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
If you are someone who is experiencing intense mood changes, it’s worth investigating with your doctor. Conditions like Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) add complexity to the relationship between ovulation and emotional well-being. PMS includes a long list of potential symptoms and include a range of physical and emotional symptoms, including mood swings, irritability, and fatigue, which occur in the days leading up to menstruation and typically subside once menstruation begins. According to Mayo Clinic, it’s estimated that as many as 3 of every 4 menstruating women have experienced some form of premenstrual syndrome.₂ PMDD, on the other hand, is a more severe form of PMS characterized by debilitating mood disturbances, such as severe depression, anxiety, and irritability, which significantly impair daily functioning. According to Johns Hopkins, symptoms of PMDD appear during the week before menstruation and end within a few days after your period starts. These symptoms massively disrupt daily tasks, with symptoms of PMDD being so severe that women have trouble functioning in all aspects of their life (relationships, work, at home).₃
While PMS and PMDD are influenced by hormonal fluctuations, they are not synonymous with ovulation itself. Instead, they reflect individual differences in hormone sensitivity and neurotransmitter regulation, highlighting the importance of personalized approaches to managing menstrual-related symptoms. Recognizing and addressing these conditions require comprehensive assessment and tailored interventions, underscoring the need to move beyond simplistic associations between ovulation and emotional health.
While ovulation is a natural biological process in the female reproductive system, the notion that it inherently causes emotional disruption is not supported by scientific evidence. While hormonal fluctuations may influence mood to some extent, the effects are likely subtle and vary from person to person. Factors such as stress, lifestyle, and individual differences play significant roles in shaping emotional experiences throughout the menstrual cycle. Again, if you are someone who is experiencing noticeable mood changes each month, please discuss this with your doctor to investigate.
References
Pletzer, B., & Noachtar, I. (2023). Emotion recognition and mood along the menstrual cycle. Hormones and Behavior, 154, 105406. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yhbeh.2023.105406
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) - Symptoms & causes - Mayo Clinic. (2022, February 25). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/premenstrual-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20376780
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). (2019, November 19). Johns Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder-pmdd
Medical Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider or qualified medical professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this blog.
