Survey study, 2021
What blood markers can help identify menstrual cycle-related symptoms?
Several blood markers including hormones and immune markers showed links to menstrual cycle symptoms. This is a theory paper, not a new study testing whether these markers work in practice.
What they did
Researchers reviewed how existing PMS definitions work and proposed a new definition called Menstrual Cycle-Associated Syndrome (MCAS). They described how various blood markers may relate to menstrual cycle symptoms: progesterone, estradiol, immune markers (CCL2, CCL5, CCL11), epidermal growth factor, hydroperoxides, paraoxonase 1, complement C4, and antibody responses to bacteria.
What they found
These biomarkers showed links to menstrual symptom scores and to specific symptoms like depression, anxiety, fatigue, and pain. The authors propose that poor follicular development, low corpus luteum function, excess immune markers, low antioxidants, and bacterial translocation underlie menstrual cycle symptoms through a uterine-chemokine-brain-axis mechanism.
What it means for you
Blood tests may one day help identify women with menstrual cycle symptoms. The proposed cause involves inflammation and immune system changes, but this is a theory needing testing. This is an opinion paper reviewing existing ideas, not new research data.
7
main biomarkers reviewed
5
proposed biological pathways
About the study
- Original title
- Biomarker Validation of a New Case Definition of Menstrual Cycle-Associated Syndrome (MCAS) Opinion Paper
- Authors
- Roomruangwong C, Maes M
- Journal
- CNS & neurological disorders drug targets
- Year
- 2021
- Study design
- Survey study
- What was tested
- None; opinion and review paper.
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.2174/1871527319666200930095149
Topics
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