---
title: What is known about serotonin in severe PMS? | Niyora
description: Serotonin dysregulation appears to be involved in severe PMS. Some serotonin abnormalities appear only during the symptomatic luteal phase, while others persi
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/state-and-trait-serotonergic-abnormalities-in-women-with-dysphoric-premenstrual-1997/
---

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- What is known about serotonin in severe PMS?

Review, 1997

# What is known about serotonin in severe PMS?

Serotonin dysregulation appears to be involved in severe PMS. Some serotonin abnormalities appear only during the symptomatic luteal phase, while others persist throughout the cycle.

 Moderate study design

Not applicable. This is a review article.

## What they did

Review article summarizing current research on serotonin abnormalities in women with dysphoric PMS, distinguishing between problems that appear only during symptoms and those present year-round.

## What they found

Between 3 and 8 percent of women of reproductive age have dysphoric PMS. Serotonin dysregulation appears involved. Some abnormalities are state-related, present only in the late luteal phase when symptoms occur. Others are trait-related, present throughout the cycle. Different serotonin systems appear to be affected differently by hormone fluctuations.

## What it means for you

Serotonin appears important in severe PMS, but the exact biological mechanisms remain unclear. This is a summary of existing knowledge rather than new research, and more studies are needed.

3-8%

Women with dysphoric PMS

## About the study

Original title State and trait serotonergic abnormalities in women with dysphoric premenstrual syndromes Authors Kouri EM, Halbreich U Journal Psychopharmacology bulletin Year 1997 Study design Review Read the paper [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9493490/](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9493490/)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)

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