---
title: Does the menstrual cycle affect gut bacteria and immune response related to PMS?
description: Yes. Antibody levels to gut bacteria change throughout the cycle, peaking at day 28, and these changes are linked to physical symptoms like bloating, anxiety,
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/the-menstrual-cycle-may-not-be-limited-to-the-endometrium-but-also-may-impact-2019/
---

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- Does the menstrual cycle affect gut bacteria and immune response related to PMS?

Survey study, 2019

# Does the menstrual cycle affect gut bacteria and immune response related to PMS?

Yes. Antibody levels to gut bacteria change throughout the cycle, peaking at day 28, and these changes are linked to physical symptoms like bloating, anxiety, and breast swelling but not depression. Progesterone appears to drive these changes.

 Early or limited evidence

40 women aged 18-45, some with and some without premenstrual symptoms

## What they did

Cross-sectional study of 40 women aged 18-45 (some with and some without premenstrual symptoms). Women tracked symptoms daily for 28 consecutive days using a standardized scale. Researchers measured blood antibodies to six gram-negative bacteria, plus progesterone and estradiol, at days 7, 14, 21, and 28.

## What they found

Antibody levels to gut bacteria peaked at day 28 and were lowest at days 7-14. Changes in antibody levels were significantly associated with physical symptoms (breast swelling, bloating, food cravings) and anxiety. Changes were NOT associated with depressive symptoms. Progesterone levels predicted antibody changes.

## What it means for you

Menstrual cycle hormones, especially progesterone, may affect how the gut barrier works, allowing bacterial products to trigger immune responses and physical PMS symptoms. This could explain bloating, anxiety, cravings, and breast tenderness before the period. This is early research on a small group with a novel theory.

40

women in study

28

days of cycle tracked

6

bacterial types tested

## About the study

Original title The menstrual cycle may not be limited to the endometrium but also may impact gut permeability Authors Roomruangwong C, Carvalho AF, Geffard M et al. Journal Acta neuropsychiatrica Year 2019 Study design Survey study What was tested None. Observational study tracking cycle and symptoms. Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.1017/neu.2019.30](https://doi.org/10.1017/neu.2019.30)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Menstrual cycle and mood](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-cycle-mood/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[Anxiety and tension](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-anxiety/)[Fatigue and energy](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-fatigue/)[Appetite and food cravings](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-food-cravings/)

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