PERSISTENCE OF SYMPTOMS OF PREMENSTRUAL TENSION IN HYSTERECTOMIZED WOMEN

Abstract

Daily symptom ratings were recorded in seven women with premenstrual tension syndrome for one month before and for up to two months after hysterectomy. Ovarian activity was monitored after operation by twice weekly measurements of total oestrogen and pregnanediol in 12-hour urine samples. Cyclical changes in mood persisted following hysterectomy with the greatest mental and physical symptoms occurring during the late luteal phase of the cycle. In contrast there was a marked decrease in activity and vigour ratings during the late luteal phase of the cycle and during menstruation. There was a small but significant improvement in symptoms in most women following hysterectomy. These results demonstrate that neither the presence of the uterus nor the occurrence of menstruation are necessary for the manifestation of the premenstrual tension syndrome and support the view that it has a hormonal basis.