How does ovulation affect mood swings?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Ovulation can trigger mood swings because of the hormonal shifts that occur during this phase of the menstrual cycle. As estrogen peaks and then drops sharply, and testosterone briefly rises, some people experience irritability, anxiety, or emotional highs and lows. However, the intensity and type of mood changes vary significantly from person to person, depending on hormone sensitivity, overall health, and lifestyle factors.

If you're noticing mood swings and aren't sure whether ovulation, PMS, or another condition is the cause, pinpointing the underlying reason is the first step toward feeling better. A free, instant, online symptom check can help you identify possible causes and guide your next steps — all in just a few minutes and without any commitment.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/20/2026

Important Next Steps

Discover if ovulation affects mood swings See what’s causing your mood changes Learn if symptoms need care now Find OTC options for mood swings Find a doctor for hormonal symptoms Discover home remedies for mood swings Find likely causes of ovulation-related mood swings

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Explanation

Ovulation is a part of the menstrual cycle when an egg is released from the ovary. This process is controlled by hormones, which can also affect mood.

Hormonal Changes:

During ovulation, levels of certain hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone, change. These changes can influence mood, making some people feel more emotional or irritable.

Individual Differences:

Not everyone experiences mood swings during ovulation. Some people may feel more energetic or happier, while others may not notice any changes at all.

Research Insights:

According to the studies, mood changes related to ovulation are complex and can vary widely among individuals.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mood swings or mental health concerns, you can start by taking a free AI symptom checker test to better understand what might be causing your symptoms and when to seek professional care.

(References)

Harvey AT, Hitchcock CL, & Prior JC. (2009). Ovulation disturbances and mood across the menstrual .... Journal of psychosomatic obstetrics and gynaecology, 19842789.
Blum I, Lerman M, Misrachi I, Nordenberg Y, Grosskopf I, Weizman A, et al. (2004). Lack of plasma norepinephrine cyclicity, increased .... Neuropsychobiology, 15179014.
Pletzer B, & Noachtar I. (2023). Emotion recognition and mood along the menstrual cycle. Hormones and behavior, 37478677.

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