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Study, 2024

Why does mood change in the premenstrual phase?

Mood changes are caused by hormone changes. When estrogen and progesterone levels drop before your period, serotonin (a brain chemical that affects mood) production also drops. The pituitary gland plays a key role by producing hormones that control ovulation and by indirectly regulating serotonin.

Early or limited evidence This is a literature review, not a study of a specific population

What they did

This review examined existing research to explain how the pituitary gland affects mood changes in the premenstrual phase.

What they found

The pituitary gland produces FSH and LH hormones, which control ovulation. The pituitary also indirectly helps regulate serotonin, a brain chemical that affects mood. When estrogen and progesterone levels decrease in the premenstrual phase, serotonin production decreases, which causes mood swings and an imbalance between hormones and serotonin.

What it means for you

This explains one possible reason why mood changes happen before your period: hormone changes affect serotonin in the brain. However, this is a summary of existing research, not new findings. Mood changes in PMDD are complex and may have multiple causes.

About the study

Original title
Mood Changes in Premenstrual Syndrome seen from Hormonal Changes in the Pituitary Gland
Authors
Siti Nur Asiyah, Ridwan Ramadhan Raden Surayuda, Rizqy Mutiara Churi Azzahra et al.
Journal
International Journal of Current Science Research and Review
Year
2024
Study design
Study
What was tested
No active intervention, literature review
Open access
Yes

Topics