Case-control study, 1985
Are hormone levels and ovulation timing different in women with premenstrual tension?
Yes. Women with premenstrual tension tend to ovulate earlier in their cycle and have higher stress hormone (cortisol) levels than women without symptoms.
What they did
Case-control study of 35 women with premenstrual tension and 11 women without symptoms. Hormone levels (oestradiol, progesterone, prolactin, thyroid hormone, testosterone, cortisol) were measured at intervals during the last 17 days of the menstrual cycle. Ultrasound measured follicular size in 18 patients and 16 controls.
What they found
Women with premenstrual tension ovulated earlier in the cycle than controls. Maximum oestradiol occurred 17 days before menstruation in patients but 14 days before menstruation in controls. Cortisol concentrations were uniformly higher in patient groups compared to controls. Mean follicular diameters at ovulation were significantly lower in patients than controls. Oestradiol levels at ovulation were also significantly lower in the patient group.
What it means for you
Women with premenstrual tension may have different ovulation timing with smaller follicles and higher cortisol throughout the cycle. These differences could explain cycle variations in symptoms, though we don't know if this causes symptoms or results from them. Main limitation: relatively small sample and single-country study.
35
women with premenstrual tension
11
women without symptoms
17
days before menstruation ovulation occurred in patients
About the study
- Original title
- Hormonal studies in women with premenstrual tension
- Authors
- Watts JF, Butt WR, Logan Edwards R et al.
- Journal
- British journal of obstetrics and gynaecology
- Year
- 1985
- Study design
- Case-control study
- Participants
- 35
- What was tested
- None - observational hormonal study
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1111/j.1471-0528.1985.tb01090.x
Topics
Related studies
Review, 2003
How do menstrual cycle hormones affect the brain and cause mood disorders like PMDD?
Randomised trial, 2003
Are SSRI antidepressants effective for PMDD?
Survey study, 2026
How does PMS affect test anxiety in nursing students?
Study, 2026
What are premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder?
Survey study, 2025
Do menstrual problems and poor sleep affect mood and thinking in teenage girls?
Study, 2025
Do women have different symptom patterns before, during, and after menopause?