This presentation will highlight existing research into the menstrual cycle and OCD and some of the theories/current understandings about why symptoms change across the menstrual cycle. I will explain why consideration for the menstrual cycle is important for clinicians, researchers and people who experience OCD.

I will also cover the research I am conducting in this area, for which we are currently recruiting participants. I will give an overview of the psychological model we have applied to explain why OCD may be vulnerable to premenstrual exacerbation. I will end by signposting a list of resources/charities for individuals who feel they experience changes in symptoms across the menstrual cycle.

Research Link: Click here for further details about the research and how to sign up to be involved.

Louise Nolan is Trainee Clinical Psychologist in her final year of the Doctorate of Clinical Psychology at the University of Oxford. On top of her research, she works clinically in the NHS. Prior to this, she completed her masters and undergraduate degree at University College London (UCL). Louise has a strong interest in how the menstrual cycle influences mental health difficulties, in particular around the exacerbation of existing mental health difficulties during the premenstrual phase (known as Premenstrual Exacerbation/PME). She has published a systemic review ‘Premenstrual exacerbation of mental health disorders: a systematic review of prospective studies (Nolan & Hughes, 2022)’ in the Archives of Women’s Mental Health. This highlighted the lack of menstrual cycle research into OCD and since then, she has endeavoured to progress understanding in the area.