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.
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
Topics
Related studies
Systematic review, 2025
Do nutritional interventions help with emotional symptoms of PMS?
Systematic review, 2009
Which herbs, vitamins and minerals help treat PMS?
Randomised trial, 2003
What treatments work for PMS and PMDD?
Randomised trial, 2003
What complementary and alternative medicines help with women's reproductive health issues?
Study, 2002
Which PMS treatments have good scientific evidence?
Randomised trial, 2000
Which dietary supplements help PMS?