Non-randomised trial, 2004

Does serotonin activity change across the menstrual cycle?

Yes. Serotonin transporter binding was highest in the late follicular phase (right before ovulation), while serotonin receptor binding was highest in the early follicular and early luteal phases. These changes correlated with estradiol and progesterone levels.

Early or limited evidence 28 healthy women with regular menstrual cycles, not using oral contraceptives.

What they did

Researchers measured serotonin transporter binding and serotonin receptor binding in blood samples from 28 healthy women without oral contraceptives at different phases of their menstrual cycle.

What they found

Serotonin transporter binding was significantly higher in late follicular phase than in ovulatory (p<0.01), early luteal (p<0.05), and mid-luteal phases (p<0.01). Serotonin receptor binding was significantly higher in early follicular and early luteal phases compared to mid-luteal phase (p<0.001 and p<0.05). Estradiol and progesterone levels correlated with binding affinity in different phases.

What it means for you

This suggests serotonin function changes across the menstrual cycle in sync with reproductive hormones. This might help explain why some women experience mood symptoms in certain cycle phases. However, this is a small lab study in healthy women, not women with mood symptoms, so it doesn't prove serotonin changes cause PMDD.

Healthy women studied

p<0.01

Significance (serotonin transporter)

p<0.001

Significance (serotonin receptor)

About the study

Original title: Influence of menstrual cycle on platelet serotonin uptake site and serotonin2A receptor binding
Authors: Wihlbäck AC, Sundström Poromaa I, Bixo M et al.
Journal: Psychoneuroendocrinology
Year: 2004
Study design: Non-randomised trial
Participants: 28
What was tested: No intervention; serotonin binding was measured at different cycle phases.
Read the paper: doi.org/10.1016/s0306-4530(03)00120-3

Topics

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)Low mood and depression Anxiety and tension Cognition, concentration and memory SSRIs and antidepressants Oral contraceptives and drospirenone Diet and nutrition Major depressive disorder Athletes and sport

Review, 2024

What are the most effective treatments for PMDD?

Randomised trial, 2023

What does research show about PMDD neurochemistry?

Non-randomised trial, 2001

Do people with PMDD have different breathing patterns?

Review, 1991

What treatments are available for late luteal phase dysphoric disorder?

Review, 2017

What causes PMDD and what are the best treatments?

Review, 2015

What do we know about PMS and PMDD and how are they treated?

Ask AI about this page ChatGPT Claude Perplexity Google AI Mode Grok