Case report, 2025
Can whey protein help premenstrual dysphoric disorder symptoms?
In one case study, a woman with PMDD perceived substantial relief of her symptoms (approximately 80-95% improvement) when she took whey protein concentrate daily for 8 days before her period.
What they did
Case study of one 38-year-old woman with clinically diagnosed PMDD. She consumed 5 tablespoons of whey protein concentrate blended into a carbohydrate-rich smoothie daily for 8 days before menstruation across 3 consecutive menstrual cycles, tracking her symptoms.
What they found
The woman perceived substantial symptom relief of approximately 80-95% compared to her symptoms in previous cycles. No adverse effects were reported. The case study covered 3 consecutive menstrual cycles.
What it means for you
Whey protein may help reduce PMDD symptoms because it contains tryptophan, which the brain uses to make serotonin (a mood chemical). When eaten with carbohydrates, tryptophan travels to the brain more easily. However, this is only one person's experience with no control comparison. More research is needed to confirm whether whey protein actually helps PMDD and determine the right amount.
5 tbsp
Whey protein concentrate taken daily
80-95%
Perceived symptom relief compared to previous cycles
8 days
Duration of treatment before each menstruation
About the study
- Original title
- Whey Protein Concentrate as a Tryptophan-Based Nutritional Intervention for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD): A 3-Month Case Study
- Authors
- Kazzi F
- Journal
- Integrative medicine (Encinitas, Calif.)
- Year
- 2025
- Study design
- Case report
- What was tested
- 5 tablespoons of whey protein concentrate in a carbohydrate smoothie for 8 days before menstruation
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41586426/
Topics
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