---
title: Do brainstem nerve responses change across the menstrual cycle in women with and without PMS?
description: Brainstem response times did not change across cycle phases in any group, but women with severe PMS had longer response times than healthy women, suggesting p
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/brainstem-auditory-evoked-responses-baers-during-the-menstrual-cycle-in-women-1992/
---

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- Do brainstem nerve responses change across the menstrual cycle in women with and without PMS?

Case-control study, 1992

# Do brainstem nerve responses change across the menstrual cycle in women with and without PMS?

Brainstem response times did not change across cycle phases in any group, but women with severe PMS had longer response times than healthy women, suggesting possible brainstem dysfunction.

 Early or limited evidence

21 healthy control women and 30 women with PMDD (moderate and severe groups)

## What they did

Brainstem auditory responses were recorded in 21 healthy control women and 30 women with PMDD (divided into moderate and severe symptom groups) at three cycle phases: menstrual, late follicular, and late luteal.

## What they found

Response latencies did not change at different cycle phases in any group. Women with moderate PMS had increased response times for one wave (III) compared to healthy controls. Women with severe PMS had increased response times for two waves (III and V) compared to healthy controls.

## What it means for you

The study suggests brainstem dysfunction may be present in PMS but does not vary by cycle phase. This raises the possibility of a neurobiological predisposition to PMS. The study is limited by its small sample size.

21

Healthy control women

30

Women with PMDD

3

Cycle phases measured

## About the study

Original title Brainstem auditory evoked responses (BAERs) during the menstrual cycle in women with and without premenstrual syndrome Authors Howard R, Mason P, Taghavi E et al. Journal Biological psychiatry Year 1992 Study design Case-control study Participants 30 What was tested Measurement at different menstrual cycle phases Read the paper [doi.org/10.1016/0006-3223(92)90297-d](https://doi.org/10.1016/0006-3223(92)90297-d)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)

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