---
title: Is a hormonal problem the cause of PMS? | Niyora
description: No clear hormonal abnormality has been found in women with PMS. Only 2-8% of women report severe PMS, and some may be biologically vulnerable, possibly due to
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/hormones-behaviour-and-the-menstrual-cycle-1985/
---

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- Is a hormonal problem the cause of PMS?

Study, 1985

# Is a hormonal problem the cause of PMS?

No clear hormonal abnormality has been found in women with PMS. Only 2-8% of women report severe PMS, and some may be biologically vulnerable, possibly due to how they respond to hormones.

 Early or limited evidence

Review of existing research; not a specific study population

## What they did

Reviewed what was known about hormones and the menstrual cycle in relation to PMS.

## What they found

No specific hormone level or pattern has been linked to PMS. The number of women reporting severe PMS is between 2-8%, down from earlier claims of 70%. Some women may be vulnerable, possibly related to postpartum blues and how their body responds to birth control pills. Most women handle the premenstrual phase without major problems.

## What it means for you

Hormones alone don't explain why some women get PMS. Certain women may be biologically vulnerable. This is an older review from 1985, and the exact causes of PMS remain unclear.

2-8%

Women with severe PMS today

70%

Women with severe PMS previously claimed

## About the study

Original title Hormones, behaviour and the menstrual cycle Authors Clare AW Journal Journal of psychosomatic research Year 1985 Study design Study Read the paper [doi.org/10.1016/0022-3999(85)90049-2](https://doi.org/10.1016/0022-3999(85)90049-2)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Menstrual cycle and mood](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-cycle-mood/)[Oral contraceptives and drospirenone](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-hormonal-contraceptives/)

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