Survey study, 1984
Does serotonin uptake change during the menstrual cycle in women with premenstrual tension?
Yes, serotonin uptake capacity and serotonin levels were significantly lower during the premenstrual phase. Only 16 women were studied, so results need confirmation in larger groups.
What they did
In 16 women with premenstrual tension, researchers measured serotonin uptake and serotonin levels in blood samples during the premenstrual and postmenstrual phases. They also asked women to report their distress using a standard questionnaire.
What they found
Serotonin uptake capacity was 8.2 +/- 0.9 pmol/min during the premenstrual phase compared to 14.4 +/- 3.2 pmol/min during the postmenstrual phase. Serotonin levels in one type of blood plasma were 23.2% lower and in another type 19.1% lower during the premenstrual phase. Correlations were found between serotonin uptake measurements and some premenstrual symptoms.
What it means for you
Serotonin uptake and levels drop significantly before menstruation, which might explain mood and emotional symptoms of PMS. The study's main limitation is its small size of only 16 women.
8.2 vs 14.4
serotonin uptake premenstrual vs postmenstrual (pmol/min)
23.2%
serotonin level reduction in platelet-rich plasma
19.1%
serotonin level reduction in platelet-poor plasma
About the study
- Original title
- Serotonin levels and platelet uptake during premenstrual tension
- Authors
- Taylor DL, Mathew RJ, Ho BT et al.
- Journal
- Neuropsychobiology
- Year
- 1984
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 16
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1159/000118103
Topics
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