---
title: Should doctors use hormone blood tests to diagnose premenstrual syndrome?
description: No, according to these experts. Hormone tests are irrelevant for PMS. They believe PMS relates to other factors we haven't identified yet, not hormone levels.
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/hormone-measures-in-reproductive-endocrine-related-mood-disorders-diagnostic-1998/
---

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- Should doctors use hormone blood tests to diagnose premenstrual syndrome?

Survey study, 1998

# Should doctors use hormone blood tests to diagnose premenstrual syndrome?

No, according to these experts. Hormone tests are irrelevant for PMS. They believe PMS relates to other factors we haven't identified yet, not hormone levels.

 Early or limited evidence

Expert perspective article, not a research study

## What they did

The authors reviewed existing thinking about whether hormone tests should be used to diagnose menstrual cycle-related mood problems.

## What they found

Hormone tests are necessary for perimenopausal depression but irrelevant for PMS. The authors suggest these conditions are better explained by contextual factors rather than hormone excesses or deficiencies.

## What it means for you

This is expert opinion, not a research study, so it's based on existing thinking rather than new data. It argues against routine hormone testing for PMS diagnosis.

## About the study

Original title Hormone measures in reproductive endocrine-related mood disorders: diagnostic issues Authors Rubinow DR, Schmidt PJ, Roca CA Journal Psychopharmacology bulletin Year 1998 Study design Survey study What was tested None Read the paper [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9803756/](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9803756/)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[Perimenopause and menopause](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-perimenopause/)[Work and productivity](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-work/)

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Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor.

## Related studies

Systematic review, 2026

Why do some women experience mood changes linked to their menstrual cycle?

Review, 1992

Is PMS really caused by hormones?

Survey study, 2026

Does a history of mood problems with your period predict depression during menopause?

Survey study, 2025

Do women with bipolar disorder who had PMS or postpartum depression have worse mood problems during menopause?

Study, 2022

Which premenstrual symptoms change with the menstrual cycle in midlife women?

Review, 2016

How do reproductive hormones affect mood and behavior in women?

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