Women are usually most emotional during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, especially in the days leading up to menstruation. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

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When Women Are Most Emotional in Their Cycle

1. Luteal Phase (Days 15–28)

• Timing: After ovulation until the start of the next period

• Hormones: Progesterone rises, then drops if no pregnancy occurs

• Emotional Effects:

  • Irritability or mood swings

  • Anxiety or stress

  • Crying or emotional sensitivity

  • Low motivation or fatigue

• Reason: Hormonal fluctuations affect neurotransmitters like serotonin, which influence mood

This is also when PMS (premenstrual syndrome) occurs, intensifying emotional changes

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2. Menstrual Phase (Days 1–5)

• Timing: During bleeding

• Hormones: Low estrogen and progesterone

• Emotional Effects:

  • Fatigue and low energy

  • Sometimes relief after PMS

  • Mood may still be low for some women

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3. Follicular Phase (Days 1–13)

• Timing: Starts with menstruation and ends with ovulation

• Hormones: Rising estrogen

• Emotional Effects:

  • Mood generally stabilizes

  • Energy and optimism often increase

  • Women may feel more confident and social

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4. Ovulation (Around Day 14)

• Hormones: Peak estrogen and luteinizing hormone (LH) surge

• Emotional Effects:

  • Usually elevated mood and energy

  • Increased libido

  • Confidence and social engagement often higher

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Summary

Phase	Emotional State
Menstrual	Low energy, mild mood changes
Follicular	Mood stabilizes, increased energy
Ovulation	Positive mood, confidence, sociable
Luteal	Most emotional, PMS symptoms, irritability