---
title: Could changes in blood thickness and red blood cell shape cause premenstrual syndrome?
description: This paper proposes that PMS may be caused by abnormal changes in blood thickness and red blood cell deformability during the menstrual cycle. This is a theor
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/the-etiopathogenesis-of-premenstrual-syndrome-as-a-consequence-of-altered-blood-1988/
---

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- Could changes in blood thickness and red blood cell shape cause premenstrual syndrome?

Survey study, 1988

# Could changes in blood thickness and red blood cell shape cause premenstrual syndrome?

This paper proposes that PMS may be caused by abnormal changes in blood thickness and red blood cell deformability during the menstrual cycle. This is a theoretical hypothesis, not proven research.

 Early or limited evidence

Not applicable (theoretical hypothesis)

## What they did

The authors reviewed evidence about blood viscosity, red blood cells, and hormones during the menstrual cycle, then developed a theory to explain PMS symptoms.

## What they found

The paper proposes that PMS results from abnormal blood viscosity changes in the third week of the menstrual cycle. It suggests this may be caused by reduced red blood cell deformability related to problems with linoleic acid metabolism, high noradrenaline levels, or hypothyroidism. The authors suggest that evening primrose oil or fish oil might help by improving red blood cell deformability.

## What it means for you

This presents a possible physical mechanism for PMS based on blood changes, but remains unproven and untested in research. The paper also speculates that similar changes might explain health problems during pregnancy, after childbirth, or after menopause, but this is also unproven.

third week

of menstrual cycle where viscosity changes occur

## About the study

Original title The etiopathogenesis of premenstrual syndrome as a consequence of altered blood rheology: a new hypothesis Authors Simpson LO Journal Medical hypotheses Year 1988 Study design Survey study Read the paper [doi.org/10.1016/0306-9877(88)90030-8](https://doi.org/10.1016/0306-9877(88)90030-8)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Evening primrose oil](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-evening-primrose/)[Omega-3 fatty acids](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-omega-3/)[Thyroid disorders](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-thyroid/)

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.

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