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.
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
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