Cohort study, 1990
Do women with PMS release hormones differently than women without symptoms?
Women with PMS show significantly higher frequency of LH hormone pulses (the hormone that triggers ovulation) compared to women without symptoms, though the pulses are smaller. This suggests a possible brain hormone system dysfunction in PMS.
What they did
Researchers measured hormone levels in 13 women with PMS and 6 women without symptoms. They collected blood samples every 10 minutes for 12 hours during the late premenstrual phase (5 to 7 days before the next period). They tracked the number, size, and duration of LH hormone pulses and asked participants about their symptoms.
What they found
The main symptoms that worsened premenstrually were mood swings and water retention. Both women who ovulated (9) and those who did not ovulate (4) had significantly more LH pulses per 12 hours (10.3 and 11.5 pulses respectively) compared to controls (7.0 pulses, p<0.01). The LH pulses in PMS patients had reduced amplitude and duration. Progesterone levels were similar between ovulatory PMS patients and controls.
What it means for you
The pattern of hormone release appears disrupted in women with PMS, possibly reflecting a problem with how the brain controls these hormones. However, the sample is very small (only 13 women) and measurements were taken at only one time point, limiting what we can conclude.
10.3-11.5
LH pulses per 12 hours (PMS)
7.0
LH pulses per 12 hours (control)
p<0.01
statistical significance
About the study
- Original title
- Neuroendocrine correlates of premenstrual syndrome: changes in the pulsatile pattern of plasma LH
- Authors
- Facchinetti F, Genazzani AD, Martignoni E et al.
- Journal
- Psychoneuroendocrinology
- Year
- 1990
- Study design
- Cohort study
- Participants
- 13
- What was tested
- None; observational hormone measurement
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/0306-4530(90)90077-m