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.
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
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