---
title: What causes premenstrual tension syndrome? | Niyora
description: The authors propose that high prolactin levels, possibly combined with low estrogen or progesterone, may cause premenstrual symptoms. This is a theory, not a
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/the-chronopathology-of-premenstrual-psychopathology-1980/
---

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- What causes premenstrual tension syndrome?

Interview study, 1980

# What causes premenstrual tension syndrome?

The authors propose that high prolactin levels, possibly combined with low estrogen or progesterone, may cause premenstrual symptoms. This is a theory, not a tested finding.

 Early or limited evidence

Theoretical discussion; no subjects studied

## What they did

Discussed the timing and characteristics of premenstrual mood symptoms. Proposed a theory of what hormonal changes might cause premenstrual tension syndrome, based on existing research and ideas about how the brain works.

## What they found

The authors propose that premenstrual tension syndrome involves hyperprolactinemia (high prolactin levels) alone or in combination with low plasma levels of estrogen or progesterone during the final phase of the menstrual cycle. They suggest that lithium appears to have a favorable effect. They propose that a deficiency of PGE1 (a prostaglandin) activity in the brain might be involved.

## What it means for you

This paper presents a theory rather than new research findings. The authors suggest that targeting prolactin or PGE1 could be worth studying. Many ideas are proposed but not tested. This is a starting point for future research, not proven conclusions.

4

Days before menstruation

4

Consecutive cycles needed

## About the study

Original title The chronopathology of premenstrual psychopathology Authors Hoes MJ Journal Medical hypotheses Year 1980 Study design Interview study What was tested None; theoretical paper Read the paper [doi.org/10.1016/0306-9877(80)90019-5](https://doi.org/10.1016/0306-9877(80)90019-5)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Premenstrual exacerbation (PME)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pme/)[Anxiolytics and other psychotropics](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-anxiolytics/)[Schizophrenia and psychosis](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-psychosis/)

Research tells you what helps on average. Niyora helps on the day it hits.

Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor.

## Related studies

Cohort study, 2011

Does premenstrual symptom worsening change how bipolar disorder develops over time?

Case report, 2013

Does olanzapine help premenstrual psychosis?

Review, 2024

What is premenstrual exacerbation and how does it affect different psychiatric illnesses?

Systematic review, 2022

Do mental health disorders get worse during the menstrual cycle?

Review, 2002

What treatments work best for PMS and PMDD?

Study, 2026

Do anxiety and depression get worse before your period if you already have a mental health condition?

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