Menstrual Cycle Dynamics in Mental Health Demand new Approaches in Psychotherapy and Digital Health

Emerging research highlights the menstrual cycle as a crucial factor influencing the severity and course of psychiatric symptoms in females with heightened sensitivity to normal fluctuations in sex hormones. Despite its clinical relevance, cycle-phase-specific influences on mental health remain largely overlooked in research and psychiatric practice. This Commentary emphasizes the need to integrate menstrual cycle-related symptom dynamics into psychotherapeutic frameworks and explores the transformative potential of digital health solutions. In particular, approaches such as Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) and Just-in-Time Adaptive Interventions (JITAIs) hold promise for real-time monitoring and individualized, context-sensitive interventions, thereby enhancing the personalization and effectiveness of mental health care.