Survey study, 2026
Is there a link between PMS symptom severity and daily stress hormone levels?
Women who reported worse PMS symptoms had lower cortisol (stress hormone) levels during the day. Cortisol patterns varied slightly across cycle phases, suggesting stress hormones may play a role in PMS, though this was a very small study.
What they did
Researchers measured salivary cortisol in 15 women at four times after waking and three times during the day during three different cycle phases. Women reported how severe their symptoms felt and completed anxiety and sleep questionnaires.
What they found
Cortisol levels were higher during the menstrual phase than the luteal and premenstrual phases. Women with higher symptom severity had lower cortisol during the day (correlation of -0.648). Women with high trait anxiety had lower cortisol during their period and premenstrual phases.
What it means for you
This small study with only 15 women measured each woman for only one cycle, so we cannot be confident these findings apply to everyone. It suggests stress hormones may be involved in PMS, but the relationship is not fully understood.
15
women studied
-0.648
correlation of problem severity with cortisol
3
cycle phases measured
About the study
- Original title
- The Relationship Between Perceived Premenstrual Symptoms and Salivary Cortisol Levels in Women with Premenstrual Syndrome
- Authors
- Tuba Özgöçer, Cihat Uçar, Sedat Yıldız
- Journal
- Dynamic Medical Theories
- Year
- 2026
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 15
- What was tested
- Cortisol testing during menstrual cycle phases, no intervention.
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.63594/dmte.2026.0016
Topics
Related studies
Randomised trial, 2017
Does yoga help with PMS symptoms?
Survey study, 2026
What dietary, lifestyle, and psychological factors are associated with PMS in young women?
Survey study, 2022
What factors are associated with irregular menstrual cycles and how do irregular cycles affect other symptoms?
Study, 2012
Does stress affect your body differently during your luteal phase?
Survey study, 2025
Are violent tendencies linked to premenstrual symptoms?
Survey study, 2024
How do hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle affect gut health and mood?