Menstrual cycle-related changes in HPA axis reactivity to acute psychosocial and physiological stressors – A systematic review and meta-analysis of longitudinal studies
Klusmann H, Luecking N, Engel S, Blecker MK, Knaevelsrud C, Schumacher S (2023)
Publication Type: Journal article
Publication year: 2023
Journal
Book Volume: 150
Pages Range: 105212
Article Number: 105212
DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105212
Abstract
Sex disparities are evident in the biological response to acute stressors, with a suggested influence of ovarian hormones on hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis functioning. This systematic review and meta-analysis investigates differences in HPA axis reactivity to acute psychosocial or physiological stressors between menstrual cycle phases. A systematic literature search of six databases resulted in 12 longitudinal studies (n = 182) examining HPA axis reactivity in healthy, naturally-cycling, non-breastfeeding participants aged between 18 and 45 years in at least two cycle phases. The quality of cortisol and menstrual cycle assessment was rated and a descriptive synthesis and meta-analysis of HPA axis reactivity between two broader and five more precise cycle phases was conducted. Three studies provided sufficient data for the meta-analysis and showed a significant, small-sized effect, indicating higher cortisol reactivity in the luteal than in the follicular cycle phase. More primary studies with high-quality menstrual cycle and cortisol assessment are needed. The review did not receive funding and was pre-registered (PROSPERO; CRD42020181632).
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Germany (DE)How to cite
APA:
Klusmann, H., Luecking, N., Engel, S., Blecker, M.K., Knaevelsrud, C., & Schumacher, S. (2023). Menstrual cycle-related changes in HPA axis reactivity to acute psychosocial and physiological stressors – A systematic review and meta-analysis of longitudinal studies. Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews, 150, 105212. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105212
MLA:
Klusmann, Hannah, et al. "Menstrual cycle-related changes in HPA axis reactivity to acute psychosocial and physiological stressors – A systematic review and meta-analysis of longitudinal studies." Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews 150 (2023): 105212.
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