A STUDY involving 151 women linked toxoplasma gondii – a parasite carried by cats – to severe pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms.

"Toxoplasma gondii may induce neuroinflammation [inflammation of the brain] and changes in the production of neurotransmitters [chemical messengers]," explained lead author Dr Cosme Alvarado-Esquivel from Juarez University of Durango State in Mexico.

The study, published in the Journal of Clinical Medical Research, found that toxoplasma infection is linked to a severe form of PMS called premenstrual dysphoric disorder, characterised by anger, low self-esteem and feeling out of control. Toxoplasma gondii has previously been linked to other psychiatric disorders.

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