Survey study, 2014
Are immune system markers in the blood linked to PMS severity?
Yes, several immune markers (IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, IL-12, and interferon-gamma) were higher in women with PMS and correlated with symptom severity.
What they did
Researchers studied 277 women aged 18-30 between 2006 and 2011. They gave participants a questionnaire about menstrual symptoms and took a blood sample during the mid-luteal phase (the phase before menses). Of these, 67 met diagnostic criteria for PMS and 37 had moderate-to-severe PMS.
What they found
After adjusting for age, smoking, and body mass index, higher levels of IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, and IL-12 were associated with higher menstrual symptom scores. Women with PMS had 92% higher IL-4 levels, 87% higher IL-10, 170% higher IL-12, and 158% higher interferon-gamma compared to women without PMS.
What it means for you
Chronic inflammation may contribute to PMS symptoms, suggesting new treatment approaches. However, the study was cross-sectional with only one blood sample per woman, so it is unclear whether inflammation causes PMS or results from it. Controlled studies are needed to test causation.
277
women studied total
67
met PMS criteria
170%
IL-12 was higher in women with PMS
About the study
- Original title
- Association of inflammation markers with menstrual symptom severity and premenstrual syndrome in young women
- Authors
- Bertone-Johnson ER, Ronnenberg AG, Houghton SC et al.
- Journal
- Human reproduction (Oxford, England)
- Year
- 2014
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 67
- What was tested
- Blood sample analysis for inflammatory markers
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1093/humrep/deu170
Topics
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