--- title: Do anxiety levels differ in soccer players with and without PMS? description: Yes. Players with PMS had significantly higher anxiety levels than those without (p = 0.002). A chemical called IL-10 may help protect against anxiety, but th url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/relationship-between-anxiety-and-interleukin-10-in-female-soccer-players-with-2017/ --- - [Niyora](https://niyora.com/) - [Research](https://niyora.com/research/) - [Library](https://niyora.com/research/library/) - Do anxiety levels differ in soccer players with and without PMS? Case-control study, 2017 # Do anxiety levels differ in soccer players with and without PMS? Yes. Players with PMS had significantly higher anxiety levels than those without (p = 0.002). A chemical called IL-10 may help protect against anxiety, but this protection didn't work the same way in players with PMS. Early or limited evidence 52 female soccer players, average age 19.8 years ## What they did 52 female soccer players (average age 19.8 years) kept daily symptom records for 3 months. Researchers measured anxiety using a questionnaire and IL-10 (an anti-inflammatory chemical) in urine samples taken during the follicular and luteal phases and before and after a simulated game. ## What they found Players with PMS had significantly higher anxiety than players without PMS (p = 0.002). In players without PMS, IL-10 levels dropped significantly before the game during the luteal phase compared to the follicular phase (p = 0.02, r = -0.50). In players with PMS, IL-10 and anxiety were positively linked after the game during the luteal phase (p = 0.04, r = 0.36). ## What it means for you IL-10 may protect against anxiety in athletes without PMS, but this protective effect doesn't appear in those with PMS. The study was small and limited to female soccer players, so results may not apply to all women with PMS. 52 Study participants p = 0.002 Anxiety difference (PMS vs non-PMS) r = -0.50 IL-10 correlation in non-PMS ## About the study Original title Relationship between Anxiety and Interleukin 10 in Female Soccer Players with and Without Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) Authors Foster R, Vaisberg M, Araújo MP et al. Journal Revista brasileira de ginecologia e obstetricia : revista da Federacao Brasileira das Sociedades de Ginecologia e Obstetricia Year 2017 Study design Case-control study What was tested IL-10 and anxiety measurement during menstrual cycle phases and simulated game Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.1055/s-0037-1606244](https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0037-1606244) ## Topics [Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Anxiety and tension](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-anxiety/)[Relationships and partners](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-relationships/)[Athletes and sport](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-athletes/) 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 Case-control study, 2010 Are personality traits different in women with PMDD? Survey study, 2026 Does stress affect premenstrual symptoms in female athletes, and can coping strategies help? Survey study, 2026 What dietary, lifestyle, and psychological factors are associated with PMS in young women? Survey study, 2026 What factors affect PMS in university students and does it impact schoolwork? Study, 2026 What are premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder? Survey study, 2025 Do women with PMS have higher anxiety, stress, and different personality traits? Ask AI about this page Copy prompt ChatGPT ↗ Claude ↗ Perplexity ↗ Google AI Mode ↗ Grok ↗