Lab study, 1992
Do serotonin levels change across the menstrual cycle?
In healthy women tracked through their menstrual cycles, serotonin levels in the blood were higher during the periovulatory phase (around ovulation) and the premenstrual phase compared to serotonin at the start of menstruation.
What they did
Researchers first measured serotonin levels in blood plasma from 98 healthy volunteers (49 men and 49 women) to establish a normal reference range. They then followed 20 healthy women through two complete menstrual cycles, measuring their blood plasma serotonin at different phases.
What they found
Normal serotonin concentration in healthy people is 0 to 11 nmol/L with a median of 2.8 nmol/L. No difference was found between men and women or based on age. Very elderly people (ages 86 to 92 years) had higher serotonin concentrations than expected. In the 20 women followed through their cycles, serotonin concentrations were greater during the periovulatory phase and premenstrual phase compared to the start of menstruation.
What it means for you
This shows serotonin levels in the blood change across the menstrual cycle, with peaks during the periovulatory and premenstrual phases. Whether these changes relate to mood or PMS symptoms is unknown. Blood serotonin is different from serotonin in the brain, so the relationship may be complex.
98
people for reference range
0-11
normal serotonin range in nmol/L
2.8
median serotonin in nmol/L
About the study
- Original title
- Serotonin concentrations in plasma and variations during the menstrual cycle
- Authors
- Hindberg I, Naesh O
- Journal
- Clinical chemistry
- Year
- 1992
- Study design
- Lab study
- Participants
- 98
- What was tested
- None (observational study)
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1093/clinchem/38.10.2087