Review, 1992
Are premenstrual symptoms caused by hormones?
The timing of premenstrual symptoms appears linked to the ovarian cycle, but the severity of symptoms doesn't appear to be caused by hormone levels tested so far. More research is needed.
What they did
The authors reviewed research on the relationship between premenstrual symptoms and ovarian hormones.
What they found
The timing of premenstrual changes is related to the ovarian cycle. However, the severity of symptoms that distinguishes women with PMS from those without PMS does not appear to be related to any hormonal measurements so far assessed.
What it means for you
Hormones seem to control when symptoms happen, but not how bad they are. Researchers need to study the psychology of the menstrual cycle to understand why some women develop PMS and others don't. The review noted that studies used inconsistent definitions and measurements, making results hard to compare.
About the study
- Original title
- Premenstrual symptoms and ovarian hormones: A review
- Authors
- Anne E. Walker
- Journal
- Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology
- Year
- 1992
- Study design
- Review
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1080/02646839208403940