Non-randomised trial, 1995
How do estradiol and progesterone levels relate to PMS symptoms across the menstrual cycle?
Progesterone levels are linked to PMS symptoms and appear 5 to 7 days before symptoms develop. This preliminary finding suggests progesterone may be required for PMS symptoms to occur.
What they did
10 women with PMS and 8 asymptomatic women had daily measurements of estradiol and progesterone plus daily symptom reports during the same menstrual cycle.
What they found
Progesterone was significantly and positively correlated with PMS symptoms throughout the entire cycle and preceded symptoms by 5 to 7 days. Both hormones were consistently but not significantly higher in PMS women overall.
What it means for you
Progesterone may trigger PMS symptoms days before women notice them. Limitation: very small study of 10 women with PMS and preliminary findings that require confirmation with larger research.
10
women with PMS
8
control women
5-7 days
progesterone preceded symptoms
About the study
- Original title
- Daily plasma estradiol and progesterone levels over the menstrual cycle and their relation to premenstrual symptoms
- Authors
- Redei E, Freeman EW
- Journal
- Psychoneuroendocrinology
- Year
- 1995
- Study design
- Non-randomised trial
- Participants
- 10
- What was tested
- None
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/0306-4530(94)00057-h