Case-control study, 1988
Is serotonin function different in women with PMS?
Yes, women with PMS had significantly lower serotonin activity during the premenstrual phase. This suggests serotonin problems may contribute to PMS symptoms.
What they did
The researchers measured serotonin uptake, serotonin content, and a related enzyme called MAO in blood platelets in women with PMS and healthy controls during the premenstrual phase (days -9 to -1) and postmenstrual phase (days 5-9).
What they found
During the premenstrual phase, women with PMS had significantly decreased serotonin uptake and serotonin content in platelets compared to controls. Platelet MAO activity was significantly lower in PMS women postmenstrually compared to their premenstrual phase. Tryptophan levels were the same in both groups.
What it means for you
Since blood platelets reflect how serotonin works in the brain, this finding suggests serotonin problems may cause PMS symptoms. However, the study only measured blood, not the brain directly, so this is not proven.
Days -9 to -1
premenstrual phase
Days 5-9
postmenstrual phase
About the study
- Original title
- Alteration of platelet serotonergic mechanisms and monoamine oxidase activity in premenstrual syndrome
- Authors
- Ashby CR Jr, Carr LA, Cook CL et al.
- Journal
- Biological psychiatry
- Year
- 1988
- Study design
- Case-control study
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/0006-3223(88)90277-6