---
title: PTSD Symptoms Can Vary Throughout the Menstrual Cycle
date: 2021-11-10T03:00:00-05:00
author: OBOS Admin
canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/ptsd-symptoms-can-vary-throughout-the-menstrual-cycle"
section: Resources
---
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[Health & Sexuality Info](/health-info)# PTSD Symptoms Can Vary Throughout the Menstrual Cycle

People who menstruate may experience PTSD symptoms differently throughout their menstrual cycles. While more research is needed, at least some of these experiences seem to be caused by natural changes in hormone levels.

> Previous research has looked at women, specifically, to assess the link between estradiol and the risk for mood disorders. For example, studies have shown that when estradiol steeply declines during menopause and in the postpartum period, a person's risk for affective disorders goes up.

[Read the full article ](https://www.verywellhealth.com/ptsd-symptoms-menstrual-cycle-5208813)

SOURCE: Verywell Health • AUTHOR: Sofia Quaglia • LAST UPDATED: November 10, 2021

![PTSD Symptoms Can Vary Throughout the Menstrual Cycle scaled jpeg](data:image/png;base64,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) 

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics

- [ menstrual cycle](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/menstrual-cycle)
- [ mental health](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/mental-health)
- [ diverse lived experiences of the menstrual cycle](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/diverse-lived-experiences-menstrual-cycle)
- [trauma](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/trauma)
- [stress](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/stress)

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** 

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[read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us)

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Top five tips from the American Heart Association to help you manage holiday stress and maintain your heart health.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/5-tips-to-handle-holiday-stress)

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This article imagines what accountability for sexual abuse would look like in a sex-positive, anti-carceral world.

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This article imagines what accountability for sexual abuse would look like in a sex-positive, anti-carceral world.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/a-sex-positive-and-transformative-justice-approach-to-metoo)

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How can adults help young people discuss injustice safely and meaningfully? This resource explores trauma-informed responses to racial injustice.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/a-trauma-informed-response-to-racial-injustice)

[Stories & ConversationsRead

## How Past Sexual Abuse or Violence Affects Relationships

How does experiencing violence or sexual abuse affect our intimate relationships? The conversation below is excerpted from an online discussion on relationships, identity, and sexuality.

![Pexels andrea piacquadio ptsd scaled e1661796367968 jpg](data:image/png;base64,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)

How does experiencing violence or sexual abuse affect our intimate relationships? The conversation below is excerpted from an online discussion on relationships, identity, and sexuality.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/conversations-how-past-sexual-abuse-or-violence-affects-relationships)

[Stories & ConversationsRead

## Recommendations for Healing from Abuse

In this conversation, excerpted from an online discussion on relationships, identity, and sexuality, participants discuss what has helped them cope with past sexual violence and abuse.

![Pexels kampus production 8957659 scaled e1661796856924 jpg](data:image/png;base64,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)

In this conversation, excerpted from an online discussion on relationships, identity, and sexuality, participants discuss what has helped them cope with past sexual violence and abuse.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/conversations-recommendations-for-healing-from-abuse)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Taking Care of My Mental Health by Addressing Issues

SD discusses the role of communication in caring for her mental health and how her concerns have shifted as she's aged.

![Susan](data:image/png;base64,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)

SD discusses the role of communication in caring for her mental health and how her concerns have shifted as she's aged.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-taking-care-of-my-mental-health-by-addressing-issues)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Staying Active for My Mental Health

SD gives advice to people who struggle with staying active and discusses the relationship with her health and her work as a therapist.

![Susan](data:image/png;base64,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)

SD gives advice to people who struggle with staying active and discusses the relationship with her health and her work as a therapist.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-staying-active-for-my-mental-health)