---
title: Do women with PMS have different mineral levels in their blood and hair?
description: Yes - women with PMS had lower levels of calcium, chromium, copper, and manganese in blood. The magnesium-to-calcium ratio was notably different, suggesting P
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/calcium-magnesium-and-other-elements-in-the-red-blood-cells-and-hair-of-normals-2003/
---

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- Do women with PMS have different mineral levels in their blood and hair?

Survey study, 2003

# Do women with PMS have different mineral levels in their blood and hair?

Yes - women with PMS had lower levels of calcium, chromium, copper, and manganese in blood. The magnesium-to-calcium ratio was notably different, suggesting PMS may involve problems with how the body handles calcium.

 Early or limited evidence

46 women with PMS (median age 36.2 years) and 50 women without PMS (median age 37.7 years).

## What they did

Researchers measured 18 minerals in blood cells and 22 minerals in hair samples from 46 women with PMS and 50 women without. The women were matched by age (median ages 36.2 and 37.7 years). The groups were compared for differences in mineral levels.

## What they found

Women with PMS had lower blood levels of calcium, chromium, copper, and manganese. The magnesium-to-calcium and potassium-to-sodium ratios were notably different in the PMS group. In hair, mercury and zinc-to-copper ratio were higher in PMS patients, while iron, potassium, and the magnesium-to-calcium ratio were lower.

## What it means for you

The large difference in the magnesium-to-calcium ratio in blood may be important and suggests PMS might relate to how the body manages calcium or involve a metabolic problem with calcium. This is a small sample and cross-sectional study, so it shows an association but doesn't prove cause and effect.

46

women with PMS

50

women without PMS

4

minerals lower in blood

## About the study

Original title Calcium, magnesium, and other elements in the red blood cells and hair of normals and patients with premenstrual syndrome Authors Shamberger RJ Journal Biological trace element research Year 2003 Study design Survey study Participants 46 What was tested None - observational comparison. Read the paper [doi.org/10.1385/bter:94:2:123](https://doi.org/10.1385/bter:94:2:123)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Calcium](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-calcium/)[Magnesium](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-magnesium/)

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