Survey study, 2016
Is infection with a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii linked to premenstrual symptoms?
The study found the parasite in 7.8% of women, and those with the infection were more likely to have diarrhea and weight gain. The connection to PMS is unclear and needs more research.
What they did
Researchers examined 489 women aged 30-40 and tested their blood for evidence of Toxoplasma gondii infection using antibody tests and DNA tests. They recorded symptoms including diarrhea, weight gain, abdominal inflammation, and joint pain.
What they found
38 women (7.8%) had antibodies showing they had been exposed to Toxoplasma infection. Of these 38, 13 (34.2%) had signs of recent infection. Women with antibodies were more likely to report diarrhea and weight gain. Those with high antibody levels were also more likely to report abdominal inflammation.
What it means for you
This is the first study to suggest that Toxoplasma gondii infection might be associated with PMS-like symptoms. However, the infection was uncommon, and this is an observational study so we cannot know if the infection causes PMS symptoms. The finding needs to be confirmed in other studies.
489
women aged 30-40 studied
38
women (7.8%) with parasite antibodies
13
of 38 (34.2%) with signs of recent infection
About the study
- Original title
- Influence of Toxoplasma Gondii Infection on Symptoms and Signs of Premenstrual Syndrome: A Cross-sectional Study
- Authors
- Alvarado-Esquivel C, Sánchez-Anguiano LF, Hernández-Tinoco J et al.
- Journal
- European journal of microbiology & immunology
- Year
- 2016
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 489
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1556/1886.2016.00030