Non-randomised trial, 1994
Is there a blood cell marker linked to PMS symptoms?
Possibly, but we cannot be confident. A small pilot study found a link between a cell transport mechanism and premenstrual symptom severity in the week before the period, but the groups were too small to confirm this.
What they did
This pilot study measured a cell transport mechanism (lithium-sodium countertransport) in blood cells from 10 women with normal menstrual cycles and 8 women on oral contraceptives at different phases of their cycles. Women reported how severe their PMS symptoms were.
What they found
A correlation (p < 0.02) was found between the transport rate and premenstrual symptom severity, but only in the premenstrual phase. No correlation was found in other phases. Premenstrual symptoms were absent in women taking oral contraceptives. The groups were too small to show all differences were statistically significant.
What it means for you
This cell marker might be involved in PMS, but the study is a very small pilot. Much larger studies over multiple cycles are needed to know if this matters. The finding that oral contraceptives eliminate PMS is notable. This is only preliminary.
10
women with normal menstrual cycles
8
women on oral contraceptives
p < 0.02
correlation with symptoms in premenstrual phase
About the study
- Original title
- A pilot study of erythrocyte lithium-sodium countertransport in women during the menstrual cycle
- Authors
- Padgham C, Hinton JM, Birch NJ
- Journal
- Journal of the American College of Nutrition
- Year
- 1994
- Study design
- Non-randomised trial
- What was tested
- None - measurement and observation
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1080/07315724.1994.10718437
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