Survey study, 1988
Do women with PMS have higher rates of postpartum depression and birth control side effects?
Yes. Among women who had given birth, 62.6% of those with PMS had experienced postpartum depression compared to 41.4% without PMS. Among those with postpartum depression, 69.8% of PMS patients reported birth control side effects compared to 38.9% of controls.
What they did
Prospective study: 75 women were carefully evaluated for 2 months to diagnose PMS using strict criteria and compared to 34 control women without PMS. Researchers then reviewed their history of postpartum depression, birth control pill side effects, self-esteem, and family psychiatric history. Median age was 35 years for PMS patients and 38 for controls, with a median of 2 children in each group.
What they found
PMS patients had significantly lower self-esteem than controls. Of women who had given birth, 62.6% of PMS patients had experienced postpartum depression compared with 41.4% of controls. Of those with a postpartum depression history, 69.8% of PMS patients reported birth control pill side effects compared with 38.9% of controls (statistically significant). Among PMS patients with postpartum depression history, more reported obstetric difficulties, gynecological problems, and family psychiatric history.
What it means for you
PMS may reflect a biological sensitivity to hormone fluctuations. This same sensitivity may make you more prone to depression after childbirth and side effects from hormonal birth control. This supports the idea that PMS, postpartum depression, and birth control sensitivity share a common biological cause.
75
women with PMS
62.6%
postpartum depression rate among women with PMS
69.8%
birth control side effects among PMS patients with postpartum depression history
About the study
- Original title
- Premenstrual tension and depression — is there a relationship?
- Authors
- Lorraine Dennerstein, Carol A. Morse, Katrina Varnavides
- Journal
- Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics & Gynecology
- Year
- 1988
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 75
- What was tested
- None
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.3109/01674828809016780
Topics
Related studies
Case report, 1981
How do hormonal birth control and progesterone affect mood?
Survey study, 2026
Does fear of childbirth explain why women with PMS are more likely to develop postpartum depression?
Survey study, 2025
Do menstrual problems and poor sleep affect mood and thinking in teenage girls?
Randomised trial, 2017
Does Sepranolone reduce symptoms of severe premenstrual syndrome (PMDD)?
Cohort study, 2015
What factors predict anxiety and depression during pregnancy and after birth?
Survey study, 2014
Are depression and anxiety linked to period pain in teenage girls?