Survey study, 1990
Are brain chemical levels different in women with PMS compared to women without PMS?
Yes. Women with PMS had higher blood levels of tryptophan and epinephrine, and different patterns of how brain chemicals changed across the menstrual cycle compared to control women, though these chemical changes didn't always match the actual presence of symptoms.
What they did
Biochemical study comparing women with PMS to control women. Collected urine samples during day and night and blood samples at five points across the menstrual cycle (days 5, 11, 17, 21, and 25). Measured multiple brain chemical metabolites including norepinephrine, dopamine, and related compounds.
What they found
Women with PMS showed higher plasma tryptophan and epinephrine levels, higher urinary excretion of MHPG, and larger 24-hour urine volume. Norepinephrine excretion increased linearly during the cycle; dopamine was lowest at day 17. Plasma epinephrine declined during the cycle in PMS patients but not in controls.
What it means for you
Brain chemical metabolism differs in women with PMS, which could contribute to their symptoms. However, chemical changes don't fully explain when symptoms actually occur, suggesting other factors are also important. The main limitation is that the relationship between chemical levels and actual symptoms wasn't clearly established.
5
measurement points in menstrual cycle
2
subject groups (PMS and control)
About the study
- Original title
- Circadian and circatrigintan rhythms of biogenic amines in premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
- Authors
- Odink J, Van der Ploeg HM, Van den Berg H et al.
- Journal
- Psychosomatic medicine
- Year
- 1990
- Study design
- Survey study
- What was tested
- Observational biochemical study
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1097/00006842-199005000-00008
Topics
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