Non-randomised trial, 2004
Does premenstrual dysphoric disorder affect how the heart's nervous system regulates itself?
Women with PMDD showed reduced activity in the vagus nerve, which helps regulate the heart. The difference from women without PMDD was most clear during the non-symptom phase of the cycle.
What they did
Researchers measured heart rate variability in 28 women with PMDD and 11 controls during both the luteal phase (when PMDD symptoms occur) and follicular phase (symptom-free phase) of the menstrual cycle.
What they found
Measures of vagal nerve activity (rMSSD and SDNN) were significantly lower in women with PMDD compared to controls during the follicular phase. High frequency heart rate variability was also lower in women with PMDD during the follicular phase.
What it means for you
PMDD may involve reduced activity in the vagus nerve, which helps regulate the heart and calm stress responses. Main limitation: the small sample size (28 women with PMDD).
28
women with PMDD
11
controls without PMDD
2
menstrual cycle phases measured
About the study
- Original title
- Heart rate variability in premenstrual dysphoric disorder
- Authors
- Landén M, Wennerblom B, Tygesen H et al.
- Journal
- Psychoneuroendocrinology
- Year
- 2004
- Study design
- Non-randomised trial
- Participants
- 28
- What was tested
- None; this was an observational study measuring heart function
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/s0306-4530(03)00117-3
Topics
Related studies
Randomised trial, 1999
Do SSRIs reduce premenstrual dysphoria symptoms?
Study, 2026
Do anxiety and depression get worse before your period if you already have a mental health condition?
Cohort study, 2019
Do SSRIs help women who have both PMS and panic disorder?
Cohort study, 2012
How quickly does fluoxetine start working for PMDD symptoms?
Guideline, 2006
What is the best treatment for PMDD and severe PMS?
Randomised trial, 2004
Does paroxetine controlled-release help PMDD symptoms?