---
title: Is prolactin involved in premenstrual syndrome and mood disorders?
description: Prolactin is controlled by brain chemicals important in mood and behavior, suggesting researchers should study how it relates to PMS and psychiatric condition
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/prolactin-in-psychiatry-1981/
---

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- Is prolactin involved in premenstrual syndrome and mood disorders?

Review, 1981

# Is prolactin involved in premenstrual syndrome and mood disorders?

Prolactin is controlled by brain chemicals important in mood and behavior, suggesting researchers should study how it relates to PMS and psychiatric conditions. This is a theoretical review of research directions, not a test of treatment.

 Early or limited evidence

General review (not a specific study population)

## What they did

Reviewed research on how prolactin is controlled and its possible role in psychiatric conditions including premenstrual syndrome.

## What they found

Prolactin is a hormone controlled by dopamine and serotonin, which are brain chemicals important for mood and behavior. The authors suggest prolactin research may help identify the specific brain chemicals involved in schizophrenia, depression, premenstrual syndrome, and alcoholism.

## What it means for you

This suggests prolactin and brain chemistry may be involved in PMS, but this is a review of research directions, not a proven treatment. Much more research is needed to understand how prolactin affects PMS symptoms. The main limitation is this offers no specific evidence yet.

## About the study

Original title Prolactin in psychiatry Authors de la Fuente JR, Rosenbaum AH Journal The American journal of psychiatry Year 1981 Study design Review Read the paper [doi.org/10.1176/ajp.138.9.1154](https://doi.org/10.1176/ajp.138.9.1154)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Alcohol, smoking and substance use](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-substance-use/)[Schizophrenia and psychosis](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-psychosis/)

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