Interview study, 1980
What causes premenstrual tension syndrome?
The authors propose that high prolactin levels, possibly combined with low estrogen or progesterone, may cause premenstrual symptoms. This is a theory, not a tested finding.
What they did
Discussed the timing and characteristics of premenstrual mood symptoms. Proposed a theory of what hormonal changes might cause premenstrual tension syndrome, based on existing research and ideas about how the brain works.
What they found
The authors propose that premenstrual tension syndrome involves hyperprolactinemia (high prolactin levels) alone or in combination with low plasma levels of estrogen or progesterone during the final phase of the menstrual cycle. They suggest that lithium appears to have a favorable effect. They propose that a deficiency of PGE1 (a prostaglandin) activity in the brain might be involved.
What it means for you
This paper presents a theory rather than new research findings. The authors suggest that targeting prolactin or PGE1 could be worth studying. Many ideas are proposed but not tested. This is a starting point for future research, not proven conclusions.
4
Days before menstruation
4
Consecutive cycles needed
About the study
- Original title
- The chronopathology of premenstrual psychopathology
- Authors
- Hoes MJ
- Journal
- Medical hypotheses
- Year
- 1980
- Study design
- Interview study
- What was tested
- None; theoretical paper
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/0306-9877(80)90019-5
Topics
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