Survey study, 2000
Is leptin, a hormone involved in mood and reproduction, different in women with PMS?
Yes. Women with PMS have higher leptin levels throughout their cycle, and their leptin increases much more before their period, which may contribute to mood symptoms.
What they did
Fasting blood samples were taken from 32 women with PMS and 28 women without symptoms, matched for age, body mass index, and menstrual cycle length. Leptin was measured during two phases of the cycle (follicular and luteal).
What they found
Leptin increased significantly during the luteal phase (before period) in both groups, but the increase was much greater in women with PMS (P=0.00006) compared to controls (P=0.003). Leptin was also higher in the PMS group during the follicular phase (P=0.001). There was no clear relationship between leptin and estradiol or progesterone.
What it means for you
A hormone called leptin may play a role in PMS, particularly in mood symptoms, since leptin affects brain regions that control mood. However, the connection to other reproductive hormones is unclear. This is a small study so findings need confirmation in larger groups.
32
women with PMS
28
women without symptoms
P = 0.00006
significance of greater leptin increase in PMS during luteal phase
About the study
- Original title
- Plasma leptin concentrations are increased in women with premenstrual syndrome
- Authors
- Anim-Nyame N, Domoney C, Panay N et al.
- Journal
- Human reproduction (Oxford, England)
- Year
- 2000
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 32
- What was tested
- None; leptin levels were measured
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1093/humrep/15.11.2329
Topics
Related studies
Systematic review, 2025
Does zinc supplementation help with PMS symptoms?
Systematic review, 2025
Does teaching adolescent girls about their menstrual cycle and health help reduce period pain and PMS?
Review, 2024
What are the most effective treatments for PMDD?
Systematic review, 2024
Do SSRI antidepressants help treat PMS and PMDD?
Cohort study, 2023
Are PMS symptoms linked to genetic factors for psychiatric disorders?
Cohort study, 2023
Is PMDD a valid medical diagnosis?