Interview study, 1993
What role does serotonin play in dysphoric PMS?
Evidence suggests serotonin activity may be altered in dysphoric PMS, particularly in the late-luteal phase, and female sex hormones may influence serotonin. More research is needed.
What they did
Literature review of over 170 articles examining the relationship between serotonin activity and dysphoric PMS, with focus on changes in serotonin across the menstrual cycle and effects of hormone treatments.
What they found
Post-synaptic serotonergic responsivity may be altered during the late-luteal-premenstrual phase in women with PMS. Some serotonergic functions might be altered throughout the entire cycle as a vulnerability trait. Gonadal hormones may change serotonin system activity. Treatment studies with serotonin-enhancing drugs support serotonin's involvement in PMS pathophysiology.
What it means for you
Serotonin appears involved in dysphoric PMS, which may explain why SSRI antidepressants help some women with severe PMS. Female hormones may control serotonin function. This is a literature review that synthesizes existing research rather than providing new evidence.
170+
articles reviewed on serotonin and PMS
About the study
- Original title
- Altered serotonergic activity in women with dysphoric premenstrual syndromes
- Authors
- Halbreich U, Tworek H
- Journal
- International journal of psychiatry in medicine
- Year
- 1993
- Study design
- Interview study
- What was tested
- None
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.2190/j2w0-rtgd-nykk-ff77
Topics
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