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Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology Jan 2024The female reproductive years are characterized by fluctuations in ovarian hormones across the menstrual cycle, which have the potential to modulate neurophysiological... (Review)
Review
The female reproductive years are characterized by fluctuations in ovarian hormones across the menstrual cycle, which have the potential to modulate neurophysiological and behavioral dynamics. Menstrually-related mood disorders (MRMDs) comprise cognitive-affective or somatic symptoms that are thought to be triggered by the rapid fluctuations in ovarian hormones in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. MRMDs include premenstrual syndrome (PMS), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), and premenstrual exacerbation (PME) of other psychiatric disorders. Electroencephalography (EEG) non-invasively records in vivo synchronous activity from populations of neurons with high temporal resolution. The present overview sought to systematically review the current state of task-related and resting-state EEG investigations on MRMDs. Preliminary evidence indicates lower alpha asymmetry at rest being associated with MRMDs, while one study points to the effect being luteal-phase specific. Moreover, higher luteal spontaneous frontal brain activity (slow/fast wave ratio as measured by the delta/beta power ratio) has been observed in persons with MRMDs, while sleep architecture results point to potential circadian rhythm disturbances. In this review, we discuss the quality of study designs as well as future perspectives and challenges of supplementing the diagnostic and scientific toolbox for MRMDs with EEG.
Topics: Female; Humans; Mood Disorders; Premenstrual Syndrome; Menstrual Cycle; Electroencephalography; Hormones
PubMed: 38176542
DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2023.101120 -
Industrial Psychiatry Journal 2023Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is characterized by physical and affective symptoms that start during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle and improve on the onset of the...
BACKGROUND
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is characterized by physical and affective symptoms that start during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle and improve on the onset of the menstrual cycle. The estimated prevalence in India of PMS is found to be 43%, but most studies have been done on adolescent and college-going females. There is a dearth of studies in India done on PMS in working women.
AIMS
The aim of this study is to estimate the prevalence of premenstrual syndrome in working women and determine its association with the quality of their work life.
METHODS
A cross-sectional study was conducted in the city of Kochi and five different groups of professional women were included in the sample population. A total of 600 participants were analyzed for sociodemographic data, premenstrual syndrome using the premenstrual symptoms screening tool and quality of their work life using the work-related quality of life scale. Chi-square test was applied to find the association of categorical demographic parameters with premenstrual syndrome and with quality of work life in women satisfying the criteria for PMS.
RESULTS
A total of 48% of the participants screened positive for PMS and 35% of working women with PMS had lower quality of work life ( < 0.001). Highest educational qualification, occupation, and sexual activity were significantly associated with PMS and with quality of work life in women with PMS.
CONCLUSION
There is a high prevalence of PMS in working women, which significantly affects their quality of work life. There is a need for further research in this area that can propel improvement in policies in the workplace to boost productivity and growth.
PubMed: 38161484
DOI: 10.4103/ipj.ipj_106_22 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2023The aim of this narrative review is to consolidate knowledge on the role of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in depression pathophysiology at different... (Review)
Review
The aim of this narrative review is to consolidate knowledge on the role of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in depression pathophysiology at different reproductive stages across the female lifespan. Despite growing evidence about the impact of gonadal hormones on mood disorders, no previous review has examined the interaction between such hormonal changes and the HPA axis within the context of depressive disorders in women. We will focus on HPA axis function in depressive disorders at different reproductive stages including the menstrual cycle (e.g., premenstrual dysphoric disorder [PMDD]), perinatally (e.g., postpartum depression), and in perimenopausal depression. Each of these reproductive stages is characterized by vast physiological changes and presents major neuroendocrine reorganization. The HPA axis is one of the main targets of such functional alterations, and with its key role in stress response, it is an etiological factor in vulnerable windows for depression across the female lifespan. We begin with an overview of the HPA axis and a brief summary of techniques for measuring HPA axis parameters. We then describe the hormonal milieu of each of these key reproductive stages, and integrate information about HPA axis function in depression across these reproductive stages, describing similarities and differences. The role of a history of stress and trauma exposure as a contributor to female depression in the context of HPA axis involvement across the reproductive stages is also presented. This review advances the pursuit of understanding common biological mechanisms across depressive disorders among women. Our overarching goal is to identify unmet needs in characterizing stress-related markers of depression in women in the context of hormonal changes across the lifespan, and to support future research in women's mental health as it pertains to pathophysiology, early diagnosis, and treatment targets.
Topics: Animals; Female; Humans; Depression; Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System; Pituitary-Adrenal System; Menstrual Cycle; Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder; Life Cycle Stages
PubMed: 38149098
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1295261 -
International Journal of Environmental... Dec 2023Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) continues to impact the health outcomes and emotional well-being of reproductive-age women, globally. Several studies have provided... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) continues to impact the health outcomes and emotional well-being of reproductive-age women, globally. Several studies have provided conflicting evidence concerning the role of dietary approaches in improving PMS symptoms. Accordingly, this study aimed to evaluate the possible influence of a healthy diet and motivational strategies on PMS symptoms and health-related quality of life among Omani adolescents. This open-label, randomized, prospective controlled trial was conducted at two randomly selected secondary schools, in Al Seeb Willayah, in Muscat region. Adolescents with PMS symptoms, who were in grade 10 or 11, aged 16 years or above, had regular menstrual cycles, and were not known to have psychiatric disorder were included in this study. Participants in the intervention group received an individual face-to-face dietary consultation and motivational phone consultation. The health outcomes, including the PMS symptoms in both groups, and quality of life, were recorded using the Daily Record of Severity of Problems questionnaire (DRSP) and the 14-item Self-Reporting-Based Perceived Stress Scale tools, respectively. The primary outcome was the difference in the mean premenstrual symptom scores between the two groups. Secondary outcomes included the quality of life and stress levels of participants. The study period was from 1 February and ended 30 June 2021. SPSS was used to analyze the data, and intention-to-treat analysis was utilized. A total of 72 adolescents with PMS were randomized into intervention and control groups ( = 36 each). Both groups were similar at baseline (-value > 0.05). No significant association was found between a healthy diet and PMS symptoms (-value > 0.05). In addition, no significant association was found between a healthy diet and quality of life at follow-up (-value = 0.216). The outcomes of this study refuted any possible relationships between a healthy diet and PMS symptoms. Accordingly, dietary consultations may not facilitate the clinical management of PMS symptoms in adolescent females.
Topics: Adolescent; Female; Humans; Diet, Healthy; Premenstrual Syndrome; Prospective Studies; Quality of Life
PubMed: 38131720
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20247169 -
National Toxicology Program Technical... Dec 2023Black cohosh (Actaea racemose L.) is widely used as a botanical dietary supplement to alleviate female gynecological symptoms, such as premenstrual syndrome and changes...
Toxicology and carcinogenesis studies of black cohosh root extract (CASRN 84776-26-1) administered by gavage to Sprague Dawley (Hsd:Sprague Dawley SD) rats and female B6C3F1/N mice.
Black cohosh (Actaea racemose L.) is widely used as a botanical dietary supplement to alleviate female gynecological symptoms, such as premenstrual syndrome and changes associated with menopause, and to stimulate labor. Despite its popularity, limited data are available on the long-term safety of black cohosh products. To address this knowledge gap, 2-year National Toxicology Program (NTP) carcinogenicity studies were conducted in Sprague Dawley (Hsd:Sprague Dawley SD) rats and B6C3F1/N mice. To emulate a potential human exposure scenario in which a woman might use black cohosh throughout pregnancy and lactation, perinatal exposure was included for the rat study. (Abstract Abridged).
PubMed: 38127057
DOI: 10.22427/NTP-TR-603 -
PloS One 2023Person-related variation has been identified in many socio-cognitive domains, and there is evidence for links between certain personality traits and individual emotion...
Person-related variation has been identified in many socio-cognitive domains, and there is evidence for links between certain personality traits and individual emotion recognition. Some studies, utilizing the menstrual cycle as a hormonal model, attempted to demonstrate that hormonal fluctuations could predict variations in emotion recognition, but with merely inconsistent findings. Remarkably, the interplay between hormone fluctuations and other person-related factors that could potentially influence emotion recognition remains understudied. In the current study, we examined if the interactions of emotion-related personality traits, namely openness, extraversion, and neuroticism, and the ovulatory cycle predict individual variation in facial emotion recognition in healthy naturally cycling women. We collected salivary ovarian hormones measures from N = 129 (n = 72 validated via LH test) women across their late follicular and mid-luteal phases of the ovulatory cycle. The results revealed a negative association between neuroticism scores and emotion recognition when progesterone levels (within-subject) were elevated. However, the results did not indicate a significant moderating influence of neuroticism, openness, and extraversion on emotion recognition across phases (late follicular vs. mid-luteal) of the menstrual cycle. Additionally, there was no significant interaction between openness or extraversion and ovarian hormone levels in predicting facial emotion recognition. The current study suggests future lines of research to compare these findings in a clinical setting, as both neuroticism and ovarian hormone dysregulation are associated with some psychiatric disorders such as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
Topics: Female; Humans; Emotions; Menstrual Cycle; Luteal Phase; Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder; Personality; Progesterone
PubMed: 38117736
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0295176 -
Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine 2023Premenstrual syndrome and primary dysmenorrhea are common gynecological complaints that are associated with psychological disorders. There is increasing evidence for the...
OBJECTIVE
Premenstrual syndrome and primary dysmenorrhea are common gynecological complaints that are associated with psychological disorders. There is increasing evidence for the neuroprotective properties of curcumin, a polyphenolic natural product. This study aimed to assess the effects of curcumin on sleep complications in women with premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This triple-masked, placebo-controlled clinical trial comprised 124 patients with both premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea. Participants were randomly assigned to curcumin (n=57) or control (n=60) groups. Each participant received one capsule containing either 500 mg of curcumin plus piperine or placebo, daily, from 7 days before until 3 days after menstruation for three consecutive menstrual cycles. Insomnia and sleepiness were assessed using standard questionnaires.
RESULTS
Scores for insomnia and daytime sleepiness were directly correlated with the Premenstrual Syndrome Screening Tool (PSST) score (p<0.05), but not with the visual analogue scale (VAS) score at baseline (p>0.05). There was a non-significant reduction in insomnia and sleepiness scores in both curcumin and placebo groups after the study intervention. Whilst, improvement rate of insomnia status, daytime sleepiness severity, short sleep duration and difficult sleep initiation was not statistically significant between the curcumin and placebo groups.
CONCLUSION
Curcumin does not significantly affect sleep disorders in young women with premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea.
PubMed: 38106634
DOI: 10.22038/AJP.2023.21916 -
Frontiers in Global Women's Health 2023The World Health Organization (WHO) and American Psychiatric Association (APA) have recognised premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) as an independent diagnostic... (Review)
Review
The World Health Organization (WHO) and American Psychiatric Association (APA) have recognised premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) as an independent diagnostic entity, legitimising the distress and socio-occupational impairment experienced by affected women. However, the biological validity of this diagnosis remains inexplicit. This illness has also been criticised for a feminist-led, sympathetic reaction to the modern cultural challenges of urban, literate, employed, high-functioning women. This article systematically reviews existing literature on PMDD using the criteria established by Robins and Guze for the validity of a psychiatric diagnosis (clinical description, laboratory study, exclusion of other disorders, follow-up study, and family study). Despite the early recognition of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) in the 1950s, the research has encountered challenges due to two groups of proponents viewing it with psychologising bias and medicalising bias. PMDD is currently understood as the most severe form of PMS, characterised by the presence of psychological features. Recent evidence suggests that PMDD perhaps has neurodevelopmental underpinnings (attention deficit hyperactive disorder, adverse childhood experiences) affecting the fronto-limbic circuit that regulates the emotions. In addition, the affected individuals exhibit an increased sensitivity to gonadal hormonal fluctuations as observed during premenstrual, pregnancy, and perimenopausal phases of life. The prevalence is comparable between high-income countries and low- and middle-income countries (LAMIC), refuting the notion that it mostly affects modern women. Instead, a greater prevalence is observed in LAMIC. Despite the fact that educated women possess knowledge regarding the importance of getting help, there is a prevalent issue of inadequate help-seeking behaviour. This can be attributed to the perception of seeking help as an isolating experience, which is influenced by profound internalised stigma and discrimination in the workplace. Future studies must aim to develop culturally validated assessment tools and more research to understand the life course of the illness, in addition to systematically examining for more biological validators (animal models, genetics, imaging, neurotransmitters).
PubMed: 38090047
DOI: 10.3389/fgwh.2023.1181583 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2023Vitex agnus castus (VAC), also known as chaste tree, is a plant from the Mediterranean area, Crimea, and central Asia. Its fruit has been used for more than 2500 years... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Vitex agnus castus (VAC), also known as chaste tree, is a plant from the Mediterranean area, Crimea, and central Asia. Its fruit has been used for more than 2500 years as phytotherapic agent. In the last century, VAC has been mostly used for the treatment of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), menstrual irregularities, fertility disorders, and symptoms of menopause. Since some degree of hyperprolactinaemia may be observed in patients with such disorders, VAC effects on hyperprolactinaemia have been assessed in a small number of studies and in some patient series or single case reports. It has been postulated that the diterpenes contained in VAC extract may interact with dopamine D2 receptors (D2R) and inhibit prolactin release via dopamine D2R activation in the anterior pituitary. Most of the published papers focus on the use of VAC for the management of PMS or infertility. However, due to its action on D2R, VAC could have a role in the treatment of mild hyperprolactinaemia, including patients with idiopathic hyperprolactinaemia, microprolactinoma, drug-induced hyperprolactinaemia, or polycystic ovary syndrome.
METHODS
We have reviewed and analysed the data from the literature concerning the use of VAC extracts in patients with hyperprolactinaemia.
RESULTS
Some evidence suggests a possible role of VAC for the management of hyperprolactinaemia in selected patients, though in an inhomogeneous way. However, there are not any large randomized controlled trials supporting the same and the precise pharmacological aspects of VAC extract in such a clinical setting still remain obscure.
CONCLUSION
It appears that VAC may represent a potentially useful and safe phytotherapic option for the management of selected patients with mild hyperprolactinaemia who wish to be treated with phytotherapy. However, larger studies of high quality are needed to corroborate it.
Topics: Female; Humans; Hyperprolactinemia; Plant Extracts; Vitex; Phytotherapy; Premenstrual Syndrome; Pituitary Neoplasms
PubMed: 38075075
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1269781 -
Journal of Family Medicine and Primary... Oct 2023The term post-tubal sterilization syndrome has been used variously to include abnormal menstrual bleeding, pre-menstrual dysmenorrhea distress, hysterectomy, and...
BACKGROUND
The term post-tubal sterilization syndrome has been used variously to include abnormal menstrual bleeding, pre-menstrual dysmenorrhea distress, hysterectomy, and miscellaneous other conditions like the need for recanalization, the feeling of regret, and menopausal syndrome.
OBJECTIVES
To compare the menstrual disorders in post-tubal ligated and non-ligated women and also to compare the histopathology of endometrium in both post-tubal ligated and non-ligated groups in order to compare the menstrual disorders.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
It is a comparative cross-sectional study on 200 women between 30 and 50 years, divided into two groups and further into two sub-groups in each group. Group 1 includes cases (post-tubal ligated), and group 2 includes controls (non-tubal ligated); sub-group I includes patients with abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB), and sub-group II includes patients without AUB. Data were recorded using standard performa along with investigations and detailed examination.
RESULTS
In the case group (post-tubal ligated), maximum patients of 39.22% were having polymenorrhea and 29.41% patients had menorrhagia, whereas in the control group (non-tubal ligated), maximum patients of 38.78% had polymenorrhea and 30.61% had menorrhagia, respectively. However, the difference is statistically non-significant ( value = 1.00).
CONCLUSION
Our study suggests that the incidence of menstrual disorders did not differ significantly with tubal ligation. The patients worried about the effects of tubal ligation on their future life that must be counseled and that tubal ligation has no adverse effect on their life including their menstrual pattern. The findings of the study help family physicians in educating the clientele. We also recommend large studies with multiple centers so as to give statistically significant findings of associations.
PubMed: 38074221
DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_880_23