---
title: Are hormone levels different in women with PMS? | Niyora
description: Women with PMS have higher estrogen levels during the luteal phase (p=0.014), but progesterone levels are not consistently different. Studies used different m
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/association-between-estrogen-and-progesterone-levels-and-premenstrual-syndrome-a-2026/
---

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- Are hormone levels different in women with PMS?

Systematic review, 2026

# Are hormone levels different in women with PMS?

Women with PMS have higher estrogen levels during the luteal phase (p=0.014), but progesterone levels are not consistently different. Studies used different methods and small samples.

 Strong study design

1,959 women of reproductive age across 13 countries

## What they did

Systematic review and meta-analysis following PRISMA guidelines. Searched Medline, Cochrane, Embase, and Lissa from December 2024 to March 2025. Included 27 observational studies from 13 countries with 1,959 women. Two reviewers independently selected and extracted data. Assessed risk of bias using Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Used random-effects meta-analysis.

## What they found

Fifteen studies reported lower progesterone in PMS, but meta-analysis showed no significant difference in luteal progesterone (standardized mean difference -1.07, 95% CI -2.51 to 0.38, p=0.14). Seven studies noted higher luteal estrogen levels, and meta-analysis confirmed significantly higher estrogen in PMS (standardized mean difference 0.42, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.75, p=0.014).

## What it means for you

Higher estrogen in the luteal phase may play a role in PMS, but progesterone findings were inconsistent. Studies used different hormone measurement methods and mostly small populations, so more research is needed to understand the full hormonal picture in PMS.

27

studies included

1,959

women analyzed

0.014

p-value for estrogen finding

## About the study

Original title Association between estrogen and progesterone levels and premenstrual syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis Authors Emma Preveraud, Eloise Poisson, Stéphanie Mignot Journal BMC Women s Health Year 2026 Study design Systematic review Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.1186/s12905-026-04855-8](https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-026-04855-8)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[Work and productivity](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-work/)

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