---
title: Does serotonin play a role in causing PMS and PMDD symptoms? | Niyora
description: This small exploratory study found differences in serotonin levels between women with no symptoms, PMS, and PMDD, suggesting serotonin may play a role. Howeve
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/exploratory-study-of-premenstrual-symptoms-and-serotonin-variability-2006/
---

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- Does serotonin play a role in causing PMS and PMDD symptoms?

Non-randomised trial, 2006

# Does serotonin play a role in causing PMS and PMDD symptoms?

This small exploratory study found differences in serotonin levels between women with no symptoms, PMS, and PMDD, suggesting serotonin may play a role. However, the sample was very small with only preliminary results.

 Early or limited evidence

15 participants: 9 without premenstrual symptoms, 3 with probable PMS, 3 with probable PMDD

## What they did

15 women tracked their symptoms daily for 2 months and were divided into 3 groups: 9 without symptoms, 3 with probable PMS, and 3 with probable PMDD. Each woman had blood drawn twice to measure a serotonin metabolite called 5-HIAA, once before the period started and once after.

## What they found

The three groups showed potentially significant differences in biological markers for serotonin. The results are consistent with a hypothesis that serotonin is involved in the generation of premenstrual symptoms.

## What it means for you

This exploratory study suggests serotonin may be involved in PMS and PMDD. However, the sample was very small with only 3 women in the PMS group and 3 in the PMDD group. The differences were described as only potentially significant, not definitively proven. More research with larger groups is needed.

15

total participants

2

months of symptom tracking

3

with PMS and 3 with PMDD

## About the study

Original title Exploratory study of premenstrual symptoms and serotonin variability Authors Clayton AH, Keller AE, Leslie C et al. Journal Archives of women's mental health Year 2006 Study design Non-randomised trial Participants 9 What was tested No intervention; exploratory biological study Read the paper [doi.org/10.1007/s00737-005-0118-4](https://doi.org/10.1007/s00737-005-0118-4)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)

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