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.
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
Topics
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