Study on Autonomic Nervous System Activity and Premenstrual Syndrome
Author Information
Author(s): Matsumoto Tamaki, Ushiroyama Takahisa, Kimura Tetsuya, Hayashi Tatsuya, Moritani Toshio
Primary Institution: International Buddhist University
Hypothesis
Is the activity of the autonomic nervous system altered during the menstrual cycle of women with different degrees of premenstrual symptomatology?
Conclusion
The study suggests that altered functioning of the autonomic nervous system in the late luteal phase could be associated with diverse psychosomatic and behavioral symptoms appearing premenstrually.
Supporting Evidence
- The study found significant decreases in total power and high frequency power in the PMS group during the late luteal phase.
- The PMDD group showed marked reductions in heart-rate fluctuation and all components of HRV compared to the other groups.
- No significant differences in HRV parameters were found in the Control group across menstrual phases.
Takeaway
This study looked at how the body's nervous system changes during a woman's menstrual cycle and found that these changes might be linked to feelings of discomfort before menstruation.
Methodology
The study involved 62 women in their 20s to 40s, examining them during the follicular and late luteal phases, assessing autonomic nervous system activity through heart-rate variability and using the Menstrual Distress Questionnaire.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to self-reported menstrual cycles and symptom severity.
Limitations
The study did not establish a causal relationship between autonomic nervous system activity and premenstrual symptoms.
Participant Demographics
Women aged 20 to 47 with regular menstrual cycles.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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