Case-control study, 1982
Are prolactin levels different in women with PMS compared to women without?
No. Prolactin levels were the same in both groups and did not change throughout the menstrual cycle.
Early or limited evidence 18 women with PMS, 10 control women
What they did
Case-control study measuring prolactin in 18 women with PMS and 10 control women throughout their menstrual cycle.
What they found
In the 18 women with PMS and 10 control women, there were no consistent prolactin changes during the cycle, no differences between groups, and no link between prolactin and mood changes.
What it means for you
Prolactin does not appear to be involved in PMS. However, this was a small study testing only one hormone, so other hormones may still play a role.
18
women with PMS
10
control women
About the study
- Original title
- Prolactin levels in the premenstrual syndrome
- Authors
- O'Brien PM, Symonds EM
- Journal
- British journal of obstetrics and gynaecology
- Year
- 1982
- Study design
- Case-control study
- Participants
- 18
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1111/j.1471-0528.1982.tb04701.x