Pre-menstrual tension and mood change.

Pre-menstrual tension has been studied intensively for many years. A review of relevant literature was undertaken to try to clarify the admixture of fact and fiction which has accumulated. The bulk of research noted has been done using self-reporting scales of physiological and psychological discomfort. This research has been criticized on methodological grounds. There seems little question that mood changes do occur during the menstrual cycle. It would appear that, irrespective of personality factors and psychopatholoy, such changes can be correlated with levels of progesterone and estrogen. Gonadal hormones affect cerebral MAO levels and catecholamine metabolism. High levels of estrogen have been related to increased feelings of well-being and low levels of depression. Studies have attempted to explain differences in menstrual mood changes to the psychological impact this process may have. While this cannot be discounted, it is likely that there is an interaction between psychological and physiological factors. Clarification of this is an important challenge for future research.