Can you get emotional while ovulating? From feeling tearful to increased anxiety, here’s what can happen

We’ve been there, and since you’re reading this, you probably have too. You’re roughly halfway through your cycle – you may have even confirmed ovulation with a urine or saliva test if you’re trying to conceive (TTC) – and suddenly you’re feeling tearful. Or anxious. Or both. Ugh. But why?

Mood changes are super hard to pin down. And whilst a few studies show that they generally tend to decrease around ovulation and increase during menstruation, this isn’t always the case for everyone.

And, outside of Premenstrual syndrome (PMS), there’s surprisingly little out there by way of a helpful, scientific directive on anything from spotting the emotional symptoms of ovulation, to identifying and diagnosing PMDD.

So today, we’re answering the question Can you get emotional while ovulating? (Plus a whole load more that you might not think to ask) while looking at where some of the latest research is at. 

We’ve also included some of our own team’s top tips for managing emotions during ovulation – and across the rest of your menstrual cycle.

Let’s get into it.

Ovulation, emotional symptoms, and your hormones

We’re all aware of PMS and the mood changes that can come with starting your period – but what about the emotional ups and downs that can happen mid-cycle? 

Ovulation, which typically occurs around day 14 of an average 28-day cycle (but not always) isn’t just about your body releasing an egg from a follicle in your ovary. It’s also a time when your hormones are doing a lot behind the scenes.

Here’s the nutshell. During this time, your estrogen levels peak, causing a surge of luteinizing hormone (LH), which triggers ovulation. In the two days after the egg is released from the follicle, your progesterone levels start to rise, and your estrogen levels take a big dip. 

Experts have discovered that this hormonal rollercoaster can affect neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine – the chemicals in your brain responsible for regulating mood.

At TRB HQ, our team spans a range of different stages of life, from early 20s to late 30s post-kids. Some of the emotional symptoms of ovulation that we’ve all noticed include:

• Feeling euphoric
• Feeling relaxed and more confident
• Feeling tearful or more sentimental than usual
• Increased irritability or frustration
• Anxiety or a general feeling of being “on edge”
• Heightened sensitivity to criticism or stress

So, a pretty broad spectrum, really!

Can you get emotional while ovulating?

Yes, it seems you can get emotional while ovulating. In fact, feeling extra emotional while ovulating could be explained by those hormonal shifts we unpacked above. 

While it’s often associated with positive effects like increased energy and libido, research has shown that the rapid rise and fall in estrogen can also leave you feeling emotionally vulnerable, making even small triggers feel overwhelming. Another study shows that estrogen fluctuations during ovulation may amplify emotional sensitivity in those who already deal with PMS symptoms at other points in their cycle. 

Changes in progesterone levels can also influence mood, potentially explaining why some of us may notice heightened emotions, sadness or even irritability during this time.

Also, for those of us who are TTC, ovulation is, of course, a crucial time. We know from experience that tracking can become a little bit obsessive when you’re constantly checking for physical signs and can’t stop looking at your calendar. 

And can we talk about the pressure of sex while TTC? Wanting to make sure that ‘all the right things’ have happened on ‘the right day’ can feel like a lot, and could contribute to heightened emotions and anxiety during this short period.

Why are some of us prone to crying during ovulation?

Ever found yourself crying during ovulation? Estrogen, which, as we’ve mentioned, peaks right before ovulation, has a complex relationship with your mood, but another factor could be increased empathy during this phase of your cycle. 

Some studies have made attempts to connect heightened emotional attunement to different phases of the menstrual cycle, which might explain why you’re more likely to cry at a movie or find yourself tearing up at things you’d usually brush off during ovulation.

Can ovulation cause anxiety? 

Yes, ovulation might well cause anxiety. The hormonal shifts during ovulation don’t just affect your mood – they can also increase feelings of stress. 

For some, the spike in estrogen and subsequent release of progesterone can create a sense of unease or restlessness.

Interestingly, research in Hormones and Behavior found that hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle may influence cortisol, the body’s stress hormone.

So during ovulation, heightened sensitivity to stress could potentially make you feel more anxious, even if nothing major has changed in your environment.

So is it normal to be emotional during ovulation?

The answer is, it depends. But getting emotional while ovulating is probably more common than you’d think. 

Knowing what the science says can be super helpful, but we’re all wonderfully unique and different, so when it comes to how we really feel each month, who says what’s normal and what’s not?

Our emotional response to ovulation may even vary from cycle to cycle, and that’s okay. Hormonal shifts affect everyone differently, so there’s no one-size-fits-all answer here.

This said, if you’re experiencing emotions or difficult feelings that clearly aren’t normal for you, it’s always a good idea to seek out extra support from your healthcare provider. They can help you rule out any underlying imbalances, and offer pointers to help you feel more like yourself.

Managing emotions during ovulation (and through the rest of your cycle)

Luckily, there are steps you can take to feel more balanced if you’re struggling with getting emotional while ovulating. 

We love an actionable checklist at TRB. Here are our team’s top five (tried and tested) tips to help you manage:

1. Track your cycle – Knowing when you’re ovulating can help you prepare for potential emotional shifts. Use a period tracking app or a journal to log your symptoms and identify patterns. Awareness is key to understanding what your body needs.
2. Practice self-care – During ovulation, prioritizing self-care can make a big difference. Whether it’s taking a relaxing bath, practicing mindfulness, or simply saying no to plans when you need downtime, listening to your body can help you stay grounded.
3. Keep active, if you can – Exercise can boost endorphins and help regulate mood. Even a gentle walk or yoga session (we love Yoga with Adriene’s free at-home sessions on YouTube) can reduce stress and anxiety during ovulation.
4. Think food – Hormonal fluctuations can affect cravings, but try to focus on nutrient-rich foods that support hormonal balance. Incorporate leafy greens, whole grains, and foods rich in magnesium and B vitamins, which can help stabilize mood.
5. Reach out for support – If your emotions feel overwhelming, don’t hesitate to talk to someone. Whether it’s a trusted friend, a partner, or a healthcare provider, sharing how you’re feeling can provide relief and perspective.

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