Impairment of Executive Functions in Premenstrual Syndrome: State or Trait?
Cognitive impairments in women with PMS/PMDD appear to persist across the menstrual cycle and affect both working memory and inhibitory control, but are not linked to hormone levels.
Where it sits
this study against the rest of the gonadorelin (gnrh) corpusSummary and findings
This study measured cognitive impairments in women with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) across different menstrual cycle phases. A total of 105 women aged 19 to 35 were tested, with 51 in the PMS/PMDD group and 54 as controls. The study found significant deficits in working memory and inhibitory control, but no correlation with hormone levels.
Abstract
<h4>Background</h4>The aim of this study was to explore whether cognitive impairments in women with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) are phase-dependent or persist across the menstrual cycle. Furthermore, we investigated whether such deficits are limited to working memory (WM) or also extend to inhibitory control (IC).<h4>Methods</h4>A total of 105 regularly cycling women between the ages of 19 and 35 years were tested across 3 menstrual cycle phases (mid-follicular, mid-luteal, and late luteal). Premenstrual symptoms were tracked across 2 cycles. Fifty-one women were allocated to the PMS/PMDD group, and 54 women served as control participants. WM and IC were assessed using the n-back and stop signal task, respectively. Hormone levels were determined using saliva samples.<h4>Results</h4>WM deficits in the PMS/PMDD group emerged under high cognitive load and did not vary by cycle phase. The PMS/PMDD group also had significantly longer stop signal reaction times across all cycle phases, with stop signal reaction times positively correlating with premenstrual symptom severity. There was no significant correlation between performance measures and gonadal hormone levels.<h4>Conclusions</h4>Cognitive impairments in PMS/PMDD appear to be trait-like and affect both WM and IC. Additionally, IC was significantly associated with premenstrual symptom severity. Executive deficits may underlie difficulties in emotion regulation and are not solely attributable to gonadal hormone levels.
Background
This paper addresses the cognitive impairments associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS), specifically focusing on executive functions. Prior research has indicated that hormonal changes may influence cognitive performance, but the relationship between gonadorelin levels and executive function in PMS has not been thoroughly explored. Understanding this relationship is critical for developing potential interventions or management strategies for individuals suffering from PMS.
Methods
Not reported in abstract.
Results
Not reported in abstract.
Interpretation
Not reported in abstract.
Key findings
- Not reported in abstract.
Limitations
- Not reported in abstract.