---
title: Could hormonal and immune changes cause both PMS and postpartum depression?
description: Possibly. This review proposes that similar changes in hormones and immune markers during the menstrual cycle might explain why PMS symptoms often improve dur
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/the-cytokine-hormone-axis-the-link-between-premenstrual-syndrome-and-postpartum-2017/
---

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- Could hormonal and immune changes cause both PMS and postpartum depression?

Review, 2017

# Could hormonal and immune changes cause both PMS and postpartum depression?

Possibly. This review proposes that similar changes in hormones and immune markers during the menstrual cycle might explain why PMS symptoms often improve during pregnancy but return and worsen after birth as postpartum depression.

 Early or limited evidence

Review article (not a specific study population).

## What they did

Narrative review examining theories about causes of PMS and postpartum depression. The review looked for connections between the two conditions through hormonal and immune system changes across different phases of the reproductive cycle and pregnancy.

## What they found

The review identified theories focusing on hormonal and immune system factors in both PMS and postpartum depression. It noted that PMS symptoms often improve during pregnancy but may return and worsen after delivery, suggesting shared mechanisms.

## What it means for you

PMS and postpartum depression might share common causes in how the body's hormones and immune system respond to reproductive changes. Understanding these links might help explain why some women experience both conditions. This is a theoretical review without original data, so the ideas need testing.

2

Conditions examined (PMS and postpartum depression)

## About the study

Original title The cytokine-hormone axis - the link between premenstrual syndrome and postpartum depression Authors Stoner R, Camilleri V, Calleja-Agius J et al. Journal Gynecological endocrinology : the official journal of the International Society of Gynecological Endocrinology Year 2017 Study design Review What was tested None (narrative review). Read the paper [doi.org/10.1080/09513590.2017.1318367](https://doi.org/10.1080/09513590.2017.1318367)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[Pregnancy and postpartum](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-postpartum/)

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## Related studies

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Is there a link between premenstrual disorders and autoimmune disease?

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Do women with a history of PMS or PMDD have more depression during pregnancy and after birth?

Case-control study, 2024

Do steroid hormone levels change differently across the menstrual cycle in women with PMDD?

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