Menstrual cycle symptoms are associated with changes in low-grade inflammation

BACKGROUND: A close link between mood, low-grade inflammation and obesity has been demonstrated even in healthy subjects. We investigated the relationship between changes in physical and psychological symptoms and inflammatory markers during the menstrual cycle both in normal weight and in overweight women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight healthy normal weight (body mass index 21.6 +/- 1.9 kg m(-2)) and seven overweight (body mass index 30 +/- 2.4 kg m(-2)) young women with normal ovarian function and with no premenstrual syndrome were assessed 15 times throughout their menstrual cycle. At each time point fasting blood was drawn and symptoms were recorded using the Freeman Daily Symptom Record. RESULTS: Independent of weight status, the serum concentrations of highly sensitive