Menstrual Cycle Phases and Reproductive Stages Influence Anger and Irritability Levels

The menopausal transition can significantly impact women’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being. A recent study highlights how emotional states such as anger, irritability, and feelings of loss of control are closely linked to a woman’s menstrual cycle phase and her reproductive age. The findings, published in the journal Menopause, shed light on the fluctuations in mood that many women experience during this life stage.

Research involving over 200 women examined how different menstrual phases and reproductive stages influence emotional arousal, particularly focusing on anger and irritability. Results showed that women often experience heightened feelings of anger, irritability, and emotional out-of-control sensations during the premenstrual phase, compared to postmenstrual periods. These emotional symptoms tend to be more severe during the early menopause transition, a stage characterized by decreasing estrogen levels and associated physical changes, than during the late reproductive stage when menstrual patterns are still relatively regular.

Moreover, the study indicates that many women begin to notice menopause-related emotional symptoms even during late reproductive years, with these symptoms intensifying as they move through the transition. However, since the majority of participants still experienced regular cycles, the study could not determine whether these emotional fluctuations persist or become more pronounced in later stages of reproductive aging when menstrual cycles become markedly irregular.

The research emphasizes the importance of recognizing and supporting women through these emotional changes, especially during the menopause transition. Dr. Stephanie Faubion, Medical Director of The Menopause Society, commented that these findings resonate with women’s personal experiences and underscore the necessity for better physical and emotional support during this universal life phase.

For further details, see the full study: Effects of menstrual cycle phases and reproductive aging stages on arousal symptoms (2025). This research enhances our understanding of how hormonal and reproductive changes influence emotional health in women.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-menstrual-phase-reproductive-stage-linked.html