Study, 2005
Does PMS affect how women experience fear and stress at different times in their cycle?
Women with PMS reported higher fear during the second half of their cycle than women without PMS. Strangely, their cortisol levels (a stress hormone) were actually lower during that same time, suggesting their stress system may work differently.
What they did
Researchers tracked 42 women over about two menstrual cycles, recording symptoms and body temperature daily. Based on these records, women were classified as having PMS or not. Then 14 women (7 with PMS, 7 without) provided saliva samples and reported feelings six times each day during the second half of their cycle and the week after.
What they found
During the second half of their cycle, women with PMS reported significantly higher fear compared to women without PMS. At this same time, the cortisol levels in the PMS group were lower than in the group without PMS. This unusual pattern (higher fear but lower cortisol) suggests a mismatch in how the stress system works in women with PMS.
What it means for you
The pattern of higher fear but lower cortisol suggests women with PMS may have a mismatch between how stressed they feel and how their body shows stress. This could explain some emotional symptoms of PMS. However, findings come from only 7 women with PMS, so results need confirmation in larger groups. The study was done at one time point and doesn't prove cause and effect.
42
women initially screened
17
women classified with PMS
7
women with PMS in measurement phase
About the study
- Original title
- [Influences of premenstrual syndrome on daily psychological states and salivary cortisol level]
- Authors
- Oda Y
- Journal
- Shinrigaku kenkyu : The Japanese journal of psychology
- Year
- 2005
- Study design
- Study
- Participants
- 22
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.4992/jjpsy.76.426
Topics
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