---
title: How does serotonin function change during the menstrual cycle in women with PMS?
description: Serotonin function varies throughout the menstrual cycle linked to hormone levels. This variation may contribute to PMS, but we don't yet know why only some w
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/neurochemical-background-of-the-premenstrual-syndrome-the-role-of-the-2004/
---

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- How does serotonin function change during the menstrual cycle in women with PMS?

Survey study, 2004

# How does serotonin function change during the menstrual cycle in women with PMS?

Serotonin function varies throughout the menstrual cycle linked to hormone levels. This variation may contribute to PMS, but we don't yet know why only some women develop the condition.

 Early or limited evidence

General literature review (not a specific study population)

## What they did

Reviewed research on how the serotonin system functions and how it relates to hormones throughout the menstrual cycle.

## What they found

Serotonin function differs in different menstrual cycle phases and is related to gonadal steroid hormone levels. Rising estrogen increases serotonin receptors in brain areas controlling mood and emotion. Serotonergic medications help PMS. However, why cycle-dependent serotonin changes cause PMS only in vulnerable women remains unclear.

## What it means for you

Changes in brain serotonin during your cycle may contribute to PMS, especially in women whose brains are sensitive to these changes. But researchers still need to understand why some women's brains respond while others don't.

## About the study

Original title [Neurochemical background of the premenstrual syndrome: the role of the serotonergic system] Authors Gonda X, Bagdy G Journal Neuropsychopharmacologia Hungarica : a Magyar Pszichofarmakologiai Egyesulet lapja = official journal of the Hungarian Association of Psychopharmacology Year 2004 Study design Survey study What was tested Not applicable - literature review Read the paper [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15816306/](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15816306/)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[Anxiety and tension](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-anxiety/)[Irritability and anger](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-irritability-anger/)[Cognition, concentration and memory](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-cognition/)[Relationships and partners](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-relationships/)

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