Summary
Wearable monitoring confirms that HRV decreases during the luteal phase (post-ovulation) and peaks in the follicular phase. Progesterone levels strongly predict these changes, with parasympathetic activity lowest about one week before menstruation.
Methods
Real-time wearable monitoring across multiple menstrual cycles
Key Findings
- SDNN, RMSSD, and HF power decrease during early luteal phase
- Lowest HRV approximately one week before menses
- HRV peaks about one week after menstruation ends
- Progesterone significantly predicts lower HRV within individuals
- Estrogen enhances parasympathetic activity post-menses
Limitations
Individual variation significant, cycle length varies
What This Means for You
Expect lower HRV in the luteal phase (after ovulation, before your period). Compare HRV to the same phase in previous cycles rather than day-to-day. This is normal physiology, not a sign of poor recovery.
Source
Read the original paper in MedRxiv ↗
Added to HRV Zone: 2025-01-10