---
title: Is leptin, a hormone involved in mood and reproduction, different in women with PMS?
description: Yes. Women with PMS have higher leptin levels throughout their cycle, and their leptin increases much more before their period, which may contribute to mood s
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/plasma-leptin-concentrations-are-increased-in-women-with-premenstrual-syndrome-2000/
---

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- Is leptin, a hormone involved in mood and reproduction, different in women with PMS?

Survey study, 2000

# Is leptin, a hormone involved in mood and reproduction, different in women with PMS?

Yes. Women with PMS have higher leptin levels throughout their cycle, and their leptin increases much more before their period, which may contribute to mood symptoms.

 Early or limited evidence

32 women with PMS and 28 women without PMS symptoms, matched for age and body mass index

## What they did

Fasting blood samples were taken from 32 women with PMS and 28 women without symptoms, matched for age, body mass index, and menstrual cycle length. Leptin was measured during two phases of the cycle (follicular and luteal).

## What they found

Leptin increased significantly during the luteal phase (before period) in both groups, but the increase was much greater in women with PMS (P=0.00006) compared to controls (P=0.003). Leptin was also higher in the PMS group during the follicular phase (P=0.001). There was no clear relationship between leptin and estradiol or progesterone.

## What it means for you

A hormone called leptin may play a role in PMS, particularly in mood symptoms, since leptin affects brain regions that control mood. However, the connection to other reproductive hormones is unclear. This is a small study so findings need confirmation in larger groups.

32

women with PMS

28

women without symptoms

P = 0.00006

significance of greater leptin increase in PMS during luteal phase

## About the study

Original title Plasma leptin concentrations are increased in women with premenstrual syndrome Authors Anim-Nyame N, Domoney C, Panay N et al. Journal Human reproduction (Oxford, England) Year 2000 Study design Survey study Participants 32 What was tested None; leptin levels were measured Read the paper [doi.org/10.1093/humrep/15.11.2329](https://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/15.11.2329)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Cognition, concentration and memory](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-cognition/)

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