Premenstrual symptoms, mood responses and level of serotonin: study on banana drinks enriched by egg albumin in the luteal phase of collegiate female athletes

This research aims to analyze the effect acute intervention of banana drink enriched with egg white to premenstrual symptoms, mood and levels of serotonin in collegiate female athletes with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). This experimental study was randomized, double blind, and used a pre and post placebo-control group design. Purposive sampling technique was used to select the research sample. Purposive sampling technique was used to select research samples and divided into two groups, namely the placebo drink group and the banana drink group. Each participant was in the late luteal phase at the time of data collection. efore the test, records were made regarding the characteristics of the research subjects, menstrual cycle calculations, cervical fluid observations and basal body temperature measurements. The PSST-A is used to diagnose moderate/severe PMDD, mood respons were assessed using 24 BRUMS Research items with the Brunel Mood Scale. Serotonin analysis was carried out using the Elisa Kit Human Serotonin. Before and after intervention (pre-post-test) both groups were given a push up test for 60 seconds. Intervention was given 3 hours before completing the PSST-A, BRUMS questionnaires and push up test. Statistical tests of research data were carried out using SPSS version 23. Based on the results of the PSST-A analysis, it was reported that banana drink was able to significantly reduce (*p<0.05) anxiety, difficulty concentrating, fatigue/lack of energy decreased interest in social activity, insomnia, physical symptoms and home responsibility. Likewise, in the results of the BRUMS scale analysis, a lowering was shown in depression, anger, fatigue, confusion compared to the group given a placebo drink. Statistical analysis of serotonin levels did not show a significant increase in both the placebo and banana drink groups. Further research needs to consider digestive health and the gut microbiome in producing serotonin and analyzing the antioxidant properties of bananas on psychosomatic and behavioural symptoms. Keywords: Premenstrual dissorder, menstrual cycle, banana, egg albumin, mood response, serotonin