Study, 1992
Is low serotonin the cause of late luteal phase dysphoric disorder?
This study found no clear differences in serotonin function between women with LLPDD and those without it. The findings do not support the idea that serotonin is the cause of LLPDD.
What they did
Researchers compared 38 women with late luteal phase dysphoric disorder to 18 women without it. They measured serotonin activity in blood platelets on day 4 and day 26 of the menstrual cycle. They also gave all women a serotonin supplement (5-hydroxytryptophan) and measured how their body responded by checking two hormones: cortisol and beta-endorphin.
What they found
Women with late luteal phase dysphoric disorder did not show lower serotonin activity in blood platelets during the premenstrual phase compared to the postmenstrual phase. Their response to the serotonin supplement was not different from the control group in either cycle phase.
What it means for you
This study did not find that serotonin function is different in LLPDD. This suggests serotonin problems alone do not explain LLPDD. Serotonin might still play a role along with other factors. The main limit is that this is a small study looking at serotonin in one specific way.
38
women with LLPDD
18
women without LLPDD
200 mg
5-HTP dose tested
About the study
- Original title
- Serotonergic function and late luteal phase dysphoric disorder
- Authors
- Veeninga AT, Westenberg HG
- Journal
- Psychopharmacology
- Year
- 1992
- Study design
- Study
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1007/bf02245301
Topics
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