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Anxiety

Dental Anxiety in Women Across Menstrual Cycle Phases Investigated

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

A new study has revealed that dental anxiety varies across different phases of the menstrual cycle in women, particularly those undergoing root canal treatment. Researchers from Pamukkale University in Turkey conducted an analytical cross-sectional study involving 259 participants, aged 18-50 years, to investigate the effects of the menstrual cycle on dental anxiety. The study used both psychometric scales and physiological indicators to assess anxiety levels in women categorized into menstrual, proliferative, and secretory phases. The findings suggest that women in the menstrual and secretory phases reported significantly higher anxiety levels compared to men, but no significant differences were observed in physiological markers.

Key Takeaways:

  • Dental anxiety is a significant barrier for patients seeking oral healthcare, influenced by biological, psychological, and demographic factors.
  • Women in the menstrual and secretory phases reported significantly higher anxiety levels, as measured by the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), compared to men.
  • The study found a strong positive correlation between MDAS scores and both STAI-S and STAI-T scores, indicating a significant relationship between dental anxiety and anxiety levels.
  • The results suggest that estrogen reduction during certain phases of the menstrual cycle may increase anxiety, highlighting the potential clinical value of individualized anxiety management during these phases.
  • The study included 259 participants, with 191 women, aged 18-50 years, who underwent root canal treatment.
  • Researchers used both psychometric scales and physiological indicators to assess anxiety levels, including blood pressure and oxygen saturation.
  • Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to adjust for potential confounders, including age, education, preoperative pain, and physiological parameters.
  • The study concluded that the findings suggest the potential clinical value of individualized anxiety management during certain phases of the menstrual cycle.

Statistics:

  • The study included 259 participants, with women making up 74% of the sample.
  • The average age of the participants was 32 years, with a range of 18-50 years.
  • The Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) was used to assess anxiety levels, with a total score ranging from 0-24.
  • The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) was also used, with total scores ranging from 0-84 for STAI-S and 0-84 for STAI-T.
  • Women in the menstrual phase reported an average MDAS score of 8.5, compared to 5.3 in the proliferative phase and 6.2 in the secretory phase.
  • The study found a strong positive correlation between MDAS and STAI-S (r = 0.74, p < 0.01) and STAI-T (r = 0.83, p < 0.01) scores.

Sources:

  • Preoperative dental anxiety across menstrual cycle phases in women undergoing root canal treatment. Scientific Reports, 2025;15(1):35442.
  • Investigators at Pamukkale University Target Anxiety Disorders (Preoperative dental anxiety across menstrual cycle phases in women undergoing root canal treatment). Hematology Week. October 20, 2025; p 258.

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