---
title: Does a protein supplement that boosts serotonin help with memory problems before your period?
description: The supplement improved memory for shapes but not for words. This suggests serotonin plays a partial role in premenstrual memory decline, but other factors ar
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/memory-function-in-women-with-premenstrual-complaints-and-the-effect-of-2005/
---

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- Does a protein supplement that boosts serotonin help with memory problems before your period?

Randomised trial, 2005

# Does a protein supplement that boosts serotonin help with memory problems before your period?

The supplement improved memory for shapes but not for words. This suggests serotonin plays a partial role in premenstrual memory decline, but other factors are also involved.

 Early or limited evidence

16 women with premenstrual complaints

## What they did

16 women with premenstrual complaints participated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study. Researchers tested their memory during the premenstrual phase and early postmenstrual phase, and gave them either alpha-lactalbumin protein supplement or placebo.

## What they found

Both short-term and long-term memory for words and shapes were mildly impaired before the period. The supplement improved long-term memory for shapes but not for words. Planning ability was not affected by either the menstrual phase or the supplement.

## What it means for you

Serotonin may cause some of the memory problems that occur before your period, but it does not fully explain them. The study was very small (16 women), so results should be confirmed in larger trials.

16

women studied

2

study comparison phases

1

memory type improved

## About the study

Original title Memory function in women with premenstrual complaints and the effect of serotonergic stimulation by acute administration of an alpha-lactalbumin protein Authors Schmitt JA, Jorissen BL, Dye L et al. Journal Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England) Year 2005 Study design Randomised trial Participants 16 What was tested Alpha-lactalbumin protein supplement Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.1177/0269881105053288](https://doi.org/10.1177/0269881105053288)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Cognition, concentration and memory](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-cognition/)

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