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.
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
Topics
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