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Cohort study, 1992

What role do hormones play in mood problems linked to the menstrual cycle?

Hormones can trigger mood problems in a small percentage of women who are vulnerable, often those with a history of depression. The menstrual cycle may act as a biological trigger in susceptible women.

Early or limited evidence Women of reproductive age with late-luteal phase dysphoria

What they did

This is a narrative discussion of hormones, the menstrual cycle, and mood disorders. It synthesizes research on late-luteal phase dysphoria (now called PMDD) and female-specific mood disorders.

What they found

About 5-10% of reproductive-age women have mood, sleep, eating, energy, and physical symptoms linked to the late-luteal phase. LLPDD is strongly associated with lifetime major depression, and these women often have both conditions. Vulnerable periods include puberty, premenstruum, postpartum, and menopause.

What it means for you

If you have mood symptoms linked to your menstrual cycle, you are more likely to have a history of depression. The menstrual cycle may act as a trigger in women who are already vulnerable. This is a discussion article rather than a research study, so it summarizes existing knowledge rather than new findings.

5-10%

Reproductive-age women with late-luteal phase symptoms

About the study

Original title
Female-specific mood disorders
Authors
Steiner M
Journal
Clinical obstetrics and gynecology
Year
1992
Study design
Cohort study
What was tested
None - literature review

Topics