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Menstrual cycle symptoms are associated with changes in low-grade inflammation
J J Puder1, C A Blum, B Mueller
1Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Clinical Nutrition, University of Basel Hospital, Basel, Switzerland. puderj@uhbs.ch
European Journal of Clinical Investigation
|January 13, 2006
Summary
Mood and physical symptoms during the menstrual cycle correlate with low-grade inflammation in women, regardless of body weight. These inflammatory changes are linked to daily symptom fluctuations.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Endocrinology
- Immunology
- Psychoneuroendocrinology
Background:
- A link exists between mood, low-grade inflammation, and obesity.
- This study investigates menstrual cycle-related changes in symptoms and inflammatory markers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between physical and psychological symptoms and inflammatory markers throughout the menstrual cycle.
- To compare these changes in normal weight versus overweight women.
Main Methods:
- Assessed 15 times throughout the menstrual cycle.
- Collected fasting blood samples for inflammatory markers (hs-CRP, TNF-alpha).
- Recorded symptoms using the Freeman Daily Symptom Record.
Main Results:
- Serum hs-CRP levels and symptom scores (total, mood, behavior, physical) varied significantly and paralleled each other during the menstrual cycle.
- hs-CRP correlated with total symptom scores and mood, behavior, and physical symptom factors, independent of weight status or gonadal steroids.
- Tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels did not show these associations.
Conclusions:
- Healthy young women experience psychological and physical symptoms during the menstrual cycle.
- These symptoms change in association with alterations in low-grade inflammation.
- The observed associations are independent of body weight or gonadal steroid levels.
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