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Survey study, 2023

Does PMS cause changes to the automatic nervous system?

No. The study found only a weak connection between PMS and nervous system changes. All women had nervous system changes during their cycle, regardless of whether they had PMS.

Early or limited evidence 30 female students

What they did

Researchers measured vital signs of 30 female students during their follicular phase (early in the cycle) and again during their luteal phase (before the period).

What they found

All women showed changes in automatic nervous system activity between the follicular and luteal phases. However, these changes occurred in women with and without PMS equally. No physical disease-like changes were found.

What it means for you

The menstrual cycle does affect the automatic nervous system in all women, but this effect is not unique to PMS. PMS involves other factors beyond nervous system changes. The study included only university students and was small, so broader research would help confirm these findings.

30

female students

2

cycle phases measured

About the study

Original title
Does Premenstrual Syndrome induce changes in the Autonomic Nervous System?
Year
2023
Study design
Survey study
What was tested
Vital signs measurement at two cycle phases
Open access
Yes

Topics