Lab study, 1992
Is serotonin different in women with PMDD?
Yes. Women with PMDD show signs of lower serotonin activity in the brain, especially in the luteal phase.
What they did
Researchers measured serotonin activity markers in blood samples from 9 women with PMDD and 12 healthy women. Samples were taken during both the follicular and luteal phases of the cycle.
What they found
Women with PMDD had lower serotonin activity markers than healthy women. Both follicular and luteal phase levels were lower in PMDD women, but the difference was clearest in the luteal phase.
What it means for you
Lower serotonin activity in the brain may contribute to PMDD symptoms, which would support using serotonin-raising medications like SSRIs. However, this is a small study and the findings need confirmation.
9
women with PMDD
12
control women
About the study
- Original title
- Reduced platelet tritium-labeled imipramine binding sites in women with premenstrual syndrome
- Authors
- Steege JF, Stout AL, Knight DL et al.
- Journal
- American journal of obstetrics and gynecology
- Year
- 1992
- Study design
- Lab study
- Participants
- 9
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/s0002-9378(11)91653-6
Topics
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