Study, 1984
Does a sudden drop in beta-endorphin cause PMS?
Beta-endorphin levels did drop during the menstrual cycle, but the relationship between how much they dropped and symptom severity was opposite to what you would expect if withdrawal caused PMS.
What they did
Researchers measured beta-endorphin levels in 16 women on day 7 and day 24 of their menstrual cycle, and related these levels to how severe their PMS symptoms were.
What they found
A clear decline in beta-endorphin levels occurred as the cycle progressed. However, the severity of symptoms went in the opposite direction from the amount of decline, meaning women whose beta-endorphin dropped the most did not have the worst symptoms.
What it means for you
The simple idea that PMS is caused by a sudden drop in beta-endorphin is not fully supported by these findings. The body may have compensatory mechanisms that reduce how much beta-endorphin drops, which might help moderate symptom severity. This was a small study with 16 women and no control group.
16
women studied
7
day of cycle (first measurement)
24
day of cycle (second measurement)
About the study
- Original title
- beta-Endorphin withdrawal: a possible cause of premenstrual tension syndrome
- Authors
- Giannini AJ, Price WA, Loiselle RH
- Journal
- International journal of psychophysiology : official journal of the International Organization of Psychophysiology
- Year
- 1984
- Study design
- Study
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/0167-8760(84)90028-x
Topics
Related studies
Randomised trial, 2026
Does Kundalini Reiki help reduce PMS symptoms and improve quality of life?
Randomised trial, 2026
Does calcium and vitamin D supplementation reduce PMS symptoms?
Randomised trial, 2026
Does aerobic or resistance exercise reduce anxiety in women with PMS?
Systematic review, 2026
Does vitamin D supplementation help PMS symptoms?
Systematic review, 2026
Do mindfulness and relaxation techniques help with PMS symptoms?
Cohort study, 2025
Do women with PMS or PMDD report lower quality of life than women without these conditions?