Cohort study, 1995

Do hormone release patterns differ in women with PMS?

Hormone levels were similar between PMS and non-PMS women, but the timing between luteinizing hormone and progesterone pulses was unexpectedly different in PMS women on symptom-onset day. The study is very small and findings need confirmation in larger studies.

Early or limited evidence 6 women with PMS and 6 age-matched controls

What they did

Prospective study comparing 6 women with PMS and 6 controls matched by age. Researchers measured hormone patterns at three points during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle.

What they found

No significant differences in hormone frequency, amount, or concentration between groups. In PMS women only, hormones released at the same time on symptom-onset day, which had not been reported before. The time gap between hormone pulses increased gradually across the luteal phase in both groups.

What it means for you

The study suggests PMS may involve different timing of hormone release rather than different amounts. The main limit is the very small sample size of 6 women per group, so findings cannot be generalized.

women with PMS

control women

time points measured

About the study

Original title: Pulsatile release patterns of luteinizing hormone and progesterone in relation to symptom onset in women with premenstrual syndrome
Authors: Lewis LL, Greenblatt EM, Rittenhouse CA et al.
Journal: Fertility and sterility
Year: 1995
Study design: Cohort study
What was tested: None; hormone patterns were measured
Open access: Yes
Read the paper: doi.org/10.1016/s0015-0282(16)57725-5

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