Cohort study, 1988
Does beta-endorphin explain why some women get PMS?
No clear relationship was found. Beta-endorphin levels did not differ between women with high versus low PMS symptoms, though one correlation was weak and did not reach statistical significance.
What they did
15 healthy women had blood tests measuring beta-endorphin at different points in their menstrual cycle. They also kept daily records of premenstrual symptoms like concentration problems, water retention, and mood changes.
What they found
Peripheral plasma beta-endorphin concentrations were generally unvarying across the menstrual cycle. No between-groups difference was observed for women with high versus low symptoms. One correlation examining concentration changes had rs = 0.82 but failed to reach statistical significance.
What it means for you
Beta-endorphin is probably not the main cause of PMS, though this small study cannot rule it out completely. The study also suggests that task demands (stress from work) may worsen mood premenstrually.
15
women studied
About the study
- Original title
- Premenstrual symptom changes and plasma beta-endorphin/beta-lipotropin throughout the menstrual cycle
- Authors
- Hamilton JA, Gallant S
- Journal
- Psychoneuroendocrinology
- Year
- 1988
- Study design
- Cohort study
- What was tested
- None. Observational study with blood tests.
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/0306-4530(88)90036-4
Topics
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