Survey study, 2014
Do androgen levels relate to sexual interest in women with PMS?
Yes, women with certain types of PMS have lower testosterone and higher SHBG, but hormone levels don't fully explain cyclical changes in sexual interest.
What they did
Cross-sectional study of 37 women with PMS at a Swedish hospital. Researchers measured testosterone, SHBG, and other hormones in the early follicular phase, then grouped women by hormone level and tracked sexual interest across the cycle.
What they found
Testosterone was significantly lower and SHBG significantly higher in women with symptoms only in the luteal phase compared to those with symptoms in both phases. All sexual parameters showed significant cyclicity. However, cyclicity in sexual feelings and pleasant sexual thoughts was similar regardless of whether hormone levels were high or low.
What it means for you
Androgen levels may influence sexual interest in PMS, but don't fully explain the pattern. Women with lower androgens are more likely to have decreased sexual interest before their period. The study is small, measured hormones once per cycle, and only included women from one clinic.
37
women with PMS analyzed for hormone levels
33
women where sexual pattern cyclicity was compared
About the study
- Original title
- Sexuality and androgens in women with cyclical mood changes and pre-menstrual syndrome
- Authors
- Ekholm UB, Turkmen S, Hammarbäck S et al.
- Journal
- Acta obstetricia et gynecologica Scandinavica
- Year
- 2014
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 37
- What was tested
- None
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1111/aogs.12327