Review, 1981
What causes PMS and how do brain chemicals and hormones contribute?
PMS likely involves the brain chemical beta-endorphin and related molecules. Changes in these chemicals during the luteal phase may trigger mood and behavior changes and affect hormone release in ways that differ from woman to woman.
What they did
Reviewed existing biochemical and psychological research on PMS to propose a theory about what causes it.
What they found
Proposes that withdrawal from neuropeptides beta-endorphin and alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone during the luteal phase triggers a cascade of changes in the brain and pituitary gland. These changes may alter mood, behavior, and prolactin and vasopressin release. Different women may be affected differently depending on how their individual hormones modulate these responses.
What it means for you
This 1981 review suggests PMS is a complex disorder involving brain chemicals, not just one thing. The theory explains why different women have different symptoms, but it remains a proposal rather than proven fact.
About the study
- Original title
- Premenstrual syndrome
- Authors
- Reid RL, Yen SS
- Journal
- American journal of obstetrics and gynecology
- Year
- 1981
- Study design
- Review
- What was tested
- N/A
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/0002-9378(81)90417-8