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Ovarian morphology in premenstrual dysphoria
Olle Eriksson1, Mikael Landén, Charlotta Sundblad
1Department of Women's and Children's Health/Obstetrics and Gynecology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden. olle.eriksson@kbh.uu.se
Psychoneuroendocrinology
|October 7, 2011
Summary
Women with premenstrual dysphoria (PMD) had fewer antral follicles, suggesting a link between low follicle count and PMD. This contrasts with polycystic ovaries and androgen levels, which showed no difference between groups.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive endocrinology
- Gynecological health
- Mental health
Background:
- Premenstrual dysphoria (PMD) is linked to ovarian cyclicity, but ovarian morphology differences in women with PMD are unstudied.
- Previous research suggests hormonal influences, but direct comparisons of ovarian morphology are lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare ovarian morphology and hormone levels between women with and without premenstrual dysphoria (PMD).
- To investigate potential links between ovarian morphology, hormone levels, and PMD symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Transvaginal ultrasonography assessed ovarian morphology in 26 women with PMD and 26 controls.
- Blood samples analyzed hormone levels (including androgens) across the menstrual cycle.
- Ovarian morphology parameters included polycystic ovaries (PCO) prevalence, follicle count, and ovarian volume.
Main Results:
- No significant differences were found in PCO prevalence, total follicle count, ovarian volume, or serum androgen levels between groups.
- Serum free testosterone showed an inverse association with irritability and depressed mood symptoms.
- Ovaries with fewer than five antral or growing follicles were significantly more prevalent in women with PMD (p=0.016).
Conclusions:
- Polycystic ovaries (PCO) and androgen hormones do not appear to drive late luteal phase irritability in PMD.
- A higher prevalence of oligofollicular ovaries in women with PMD warrants further investigation.
- The findings suggest a potential, previously unrecognized, role for ovarian follicle reserve in PMD etiology.
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