Case-control study, 2007
Do women with PMDD have lower relaxin hormone levels?
Yes, women with PMDD had lower relaxin levels than healthy women, a clear difference. This is a small study, so we need confirmation.
What they did
Researchers measured relaxin and other hormones in blood at three times during the menstrual cycle (follicular phase, around ovulation, and luteal phase) in 25 women with PMDD and 25 healthy women.
What they found
All women had detectable relaxin in both phases. Changes within each woman were smaller than differences between women. Women with PMDD had lower relaxin than controls. Women with PMDD also showed differences in a genetic region that controls relaxin.
What it means for you
PMDD may be connected to lower relaxin, which stays fairly stable across the cycle in healthy women. The study is small with only a one-time measurement, so results need confirmation in larger groups over longer periods.
25
women with PMDD
25
healthy comparison women
3
measurement times in the cycle
About the study
- Original title
- Stable serum levels of relaxin throughout the menstrual cycle: a preliminary comparison of women with premenstrual dysphoria and controls
- Authors
- Pehrsson M, Westberg L, Landén M et al.
- Journal
- Archives of women's mental health
- Year
- 2007
- Study design
- Case-control study
- Participants
- 35
- What was tested
- None
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1007/s00737-007-0186-8
Topics
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