The Implications of Circadian Rhythms in PMS Symptom

 

    This semester Dr. Cavanaugh discussed the paper, “The cell-intrinsic circadian clock is dispensable for lateral posterior clock neuron regulation of Drosophila rest-activity rhythms.” In this discussion, Dr. Cavanaugh introduced the topic of circadian rhythms and the molecular circadian clock. Circadian rhythms are present throughout our body systems and are believed to be an important organizing principle of biology. When disruptions to circadian rhythms occur, due to a change in sleep cycle, lifestyle changes, or genetic changes, they can cause many issues within the body. For example, disruptions in the nervous system’s circadian rhythms can result in sleep disorders, mood disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases. Dr. Cavanaugh’s paper showed how studying the molecular clock in Drosophila help can deepen our understanding of how our rhythmicity occurs and the mechanisms in which they function.

    A recent paper published in November titled, “The relationship between premenstrual syndrome and circadian rhythm, depressive mood, and anxiety,” discusses a study in which Dr. Yamak and colleagues explored how premenstrual syndrome (PMS) can cause worsening depression and anxiety, especially for individuals with disruptions to their circadian rhythm. PMS has been associated with disruption to the circadian rhythm due to their ability to regulate daily physiological and biological functions (Yamak, 2025). This study was conducted on a group of nursing students in which they investigated whether those experiencing PMS has higher levels of depression, anxiety, and social jetlag. Their results were that depression and anxiety did significantly increase due to PMS. Disruptions to the circadian rhythm due to irregular sleep patterns and demanding schedules are believed to worsen these symptoms as well (Yamak, 2025). Therefore, ensuring that one is maintaining a proper sleep schedule could help to manage one’s symptoms.

    This study shows similarities to Dr. Cavanaugh’s talk in our seminar. Through Dr. Cavanaugh’s presentation, we learned about how the circadian rhythm is crucial to our body systems and disruptions to these symptoms can lead to major consequences within our bodies. This idea is further expressed in the paper on PMS, which expressed how disruption in one’s circadian rhythm can increase the anxiety and depression symptoms of PMS. A proper sleep schedule is crucial to support our bodies and maintain our circadian rhythm. Yet, it is something that students and shift workers often do not have. Through further research into this topic, we can better understand how lifestyles contribute to circadian issues and create solutions to assist these individuals.

References:

Guerrero, C. Y. P., Cusick, M. R., Samaras, A. J., Shamon, N. S., & Cavanaugh, D. J. (2025).

The cell-intrinsic circadian clock is dispensable for lateral posterior clock neuron regulation of Drosophila rest-activity rhythms. Neurobiology of Sleep and Circadian Rhythms, 18, 100124. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nbscr.2025.100124

Yamak, Ö.A., Şentürk, Ş., Kağıtçı, M. et al. The relationship between premenstrual

syndrome and circadian rhythm, depressive mood, and anxiety. Sci Rep 15, 38920 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-23040-9