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Survey study, 2008

Do women with PMDD have different growth factors than other women?

Yes, women with PMDD had significantly lower insulin-like growth factor-1 levels throughout their menstrual cycle (205.7 vs 240.2 ng/mL, P=.01).

Early or limited evidence Women with and without PMDD (specific n per group not stated)

What they did

Measured bone and growth metabolism markers in women with PMDD and women without PMDD. Participants tracked symptoms for 2 months and had hormone testing for 1 month.

What they found

Women with PMDD had significantly lower serum insulin-like growth factor-1 (mean 205.7 ± 56.8 ng/mL) compared with controls (240.2 ± 76.9 ng/mL, P=.01). This lower level was consistent throughout all 5 phases of the menstrual cycle in the PMDD group.

What it means for you

Low growth factor may be part of the biological difference in PMDD, offering insight into why some women develop PMDD. Does not prove it causes PMDD. Sample size not specified for each group.

205.7 ng/mL

PMDD group IGF-1

240.2 ng/mL

control group IGF-1

P=.01

statistical significance

About the study

Original title
Lower insulin-like growth factor-1 concentrations in women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder
Authors
Thys-Jacobs S, McMahon D, Bilezikian JP
Journal
American journal of obstetrics and gynecology
Year
2008
Study design
Survey study
What was tested
None; measurement of blood markers only.

Topics