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Lab study, 1989

Do women with PMS have thyroid problems?

No. Women with PMS have similar thyroid hormone and prolactin levels to healthy women in both the follicular and luteal phases of their cycle.

Early or limited evidence 15 women with PMS and 19 age-matched healthy women

What they did

Researchers measured thyroid and prolactin hormones in 15 women with PMS and 19 healthy women during different cycle phases. They also tested how these hormones responded when given a hormone called TRH.

What they found

Thyroid hormone and prolactin levels were similar between groups in both the follicular and luteal phases. When given TRH, both groups showed virtually identical hormone responses.

What it means for you

Thyroid problems do not appear to cause PMS. Taking thyroid hormones to treat PMS is not supported by this evidence. This is a small study so larger research would strengthen the finding.

15

women with PMS

19

healthy women

About the study

Original title
Thyrotropin and prolactin responses to thyrotropin-releasing hormone in premenstrual syndrome
Authors
Casper RF, Patel-Christopher A, Powell AM
Journal
The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism
Year
1989
Study design
Lab study
Participants
15

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