Cohort study, 1995
Does calcium metabolism work differently in women with PMS?
Yes. Women with PMS have higher parathyroid hormone (PTH) at midcycle compared to healthy women, suggesting a calcium regulation problem. The study was very small.
What they did
Measured blood calcium and related hormones at 6 points across one menstrual cycle in 12 women: 7 with PMS and 5 healthy controls.
What they found
In women with PMS, PTH rose about 30% at midcycle compared to early cycle (49 versus 37 ng/L). Midcycle PTH in PMS women was much higher than in controls (49 versus 26 ng/L). Both groups had lower calcium at midcycle. One woman with PMS took calcium and vitamin D for 3 months and her symptoms improved.
What it means for you
PMS may involve a calcium metabolism problem linked to hormonal changes. However, the study included only 12 women total and only one woman was treated, so the findings need confirmation in larger studies.
12
women studied
49 vs 37 ng/L
PTH rise in PMS women at midcycle
49 vs 26 ng/L
PTH in PMS versus control women at midcycle
About the study
- Original title
- Calcium-regulating hormones across the menstrual cycle: evidence of a secondary hyperparathyroidism in women with PMS
- Authors
- Thys-Jacobs S, Alvir MJ
- Journal
- The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism
- Year
- 1995
- Study design
- Cohort study
- What was tested
- One woman with PMS received oral calcium and vitamin D daily for 3 months
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1210/jcem.80.7.7608284
Topics
Related studies
Review, 2011
What are PMS and PMDD, and how common are they?
Cohort study, 2010
How do anxiety disorders differ across different life stages?
Randomised trial, 2021
Is low vitamin D linked to premenstrual symptoms?
Survey study, 2018
Does vitamin D or calcium level affect PMS symptoms and menstrual bleeding?
Review, 2016
How common are PMS and PMDD, and what are the best treatments?
Randomised trial, 2016
Does vitamin D improve mood symptoms in girls with severe vitamin D deficiency and PMS?