Differential behavioral effects of gonadal steroids in women with and in those without premenstrual syndrome

Women who have recurring symptoms of premenstrual syndrome may be responding to the hormonal changes of the menstrual cycle. Some women experience bloating, pain, mood changes and other symptoms prior to menstruation that stop after the menses. Researchers suppressed ovarian hormone secretion with leuprolide in 10 women with premenstrual syndrome, causing a decrease in symptoms. Hormone replacement with estradiol or progesterone caused the symptoms to return. Fifteen women without premenstrual syndrome had no mood changes when given the drugs.