Study, 2012
Is low progesterone linked to aggressive behavior and fatigue before menstruation?
Yes. Women with lower aggressive behavior and fatigue had higher progesterone levels during the second half of the cycle. The study suggests that low progesterone may contribute to aggressive behavior and fatigue.
What they did
122 healthy women of reproductive age collected daily morning saliva samples and recorded the intensity of mood symptoms (irritability, anger, sadness, tearfulness, insomnia, and fatigue). Saliva was tested for progesterone levels.
What they found
Women who experienced less aggressive behavior and fatigue had higher progesterone levels during the second half of the cycle. As progesterone levels increased to their peak during this phase, aggressive behavior and fatigue decreased.
What it means for you
This suggests that progesterone during the second half of the cycle may be protective against aggressive behavior and fatigue before menstruation. The study included only healthy women, not those with diagnosed PMS, so results may not apply to women with more severe premenstrual symptoms.
122
women studied
6
mood symptoms tracked
About the study
- Original title
- Higher luteal progesterone is associated with low levels of premenstrual aggressive behavior and fatigue
- Authors
- Ziomkiewicz A, Pawlowski B, Ellison PT et al.
- Journal
- Biological psychology
- Year
- 2012
- Study design
- Study
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsycho.2012.08.001
Topics
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