--- title: Do women with PMS have low magnesium levels? | Niyora description: Yes. Women with PMS have significantly lower magnesium in certain white blood cells compared to women without PMS (p<0.025). url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/reduction-of-monocyte-magnesium-in-patients-affected-by-premenstrual-syndrome-1990/ --- - [Niyora](https://niyora.com/) - [Research](https://niyora.com/research/) - [Library](https://niyora.com/research/library/) - Do women with PMS have low magnesium levels? Survey study, 1990 # Do women with PMS have low magnesium levels? Yes. Women with PMS have significantly lower magnesium in certain white blood cells compared to women without PMS (p<0.025). Early or limited evidence 18 women with PMS and 11 control women ## What they did Cross-sectional study measuring magnesium levels in blood cells of 18 women with PMS and 11 women without PMS throughout their menstrual cycles using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. ## What they found Monocyte magnesium was significantly lower in PMS patients (829.6 μg/g) compared to controls (992.9 μg/g, p<0.025). Low magnesium in red blood cells was found only in a subset of PMS patients who also had significant pain and behavioral changes. ## What it means for you Low magnesium in blood cells may contribute to PMS, particularly in women with pain and behavioral symptoms. However, this was a very small study with only 18 PMS patients, so findings need confirmation in larger groups. 18 Women with PMS 11 Control women p<0.025 Magnesium levels significantly lower ## About the study Original title Reduction of monocyte magnesium in patients affected by premenstrual syndrome Authors Fabio Facchinetti, Paola Borella, Loredana Fioroni et al. Journal Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics & Gynecology Year 1990 Study design Survey study Participants 18 What was tested None Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.3109/01674829009084417](https://doi.org/10.3109/01674829009084417) Original abstract Psychic and somatic aspects of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) have been referred to endocrine and/or metabolic changes, neurotransmitter imbalance, vitamin deficiencies, etc. Attention has been focused on the magnesium (Mg) cation, in view of its sedative effect on neuromuscular excitability and its involvement as co-factor in several enzymatic reactions. We therefore measured intra- and extracellular Mg changes throughout the menstrual cycle in 18 patients suffering from PMS and 11 asymptomatic controls. Patients and controls underwent an assessment of menstrual cycle symptomatology through the prospective administration of the Menstrual Distress Questionnaire (MDQ). Blood cells were separated by selective centrifugation and Mg was measured using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. No change of Mg in plasma or red blood cells (RBC) was observed during the menstrual cycle in controls and PMS patients. In the PMS group, the overall monocyte Mg value (829.6 ± 281.8 μg/g dry weight, M ± SD) was significantly lower than in controls (992.9 ± 475.3, p<0.025). Decreased Mg in RBC was found only in the subpopulation of PMS patients, having a significant increase of the items 'pain' and 'behavioral changes', at MDQ. These data demonstrate that patients suffering from PMS are characterized by a reduced Mg content in monocytes, compared to healthy, asymptomatic control volunteers. Such a reduction is specific for the intracellular compartment and involving also RBC in a subgroup of patients. Reproduced under CC-BY. ## Topics [Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Magnesium](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-magnesium/) Research tells you what helps on average. Niyora helps on the day it hits. Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor. ## Related studies Systematic review, 2025 Do nutritional interventions help with emotional symptoms of PMS? Systematic review, 2013 Does Vitex (chaste tree) help PMS and PMDD symptoms? Systematic review, 2009 Which herbs, vitamins and minerals help treat PMS? Systematic review, 2007 What treatments work for premenstrual syndrome? Randomised trial, 2003 What treatments work for PMS and PMDD? Randomised trial, 2003 What complementary and alternative medicines help with women's reproductive health issues? Ask AI about this page Copy prompt ChatGPT ↗ Claude ↗ Perplexity ↗ Google AI Mode ↗ Grok ↗