Review, 2006
How do brain hormones affect PMDD and mood problems during the menstrual cycle?
Probably yes. Brain hormones that change during the menstrual cycle may trigger mood problems in PMDD by working similarly to anti-anxiety drugs. PMDD affects 2-6% of reproductive women.
What they did
Review of research on how brain hormones (neuroactive steroids) affect mood disorders linked to the menstrual cycle, particularly PMDD.
What they found
Brain hormones like allopregnanolone work on the brain's GABA system in a way similar to benzodiazepines and alcohol. These brain hormones may have similar beneficial effects to anxiety drugs but also potentially similar side effects. PMDD is a cluster of mood symptoms occurring in the luteal phase (second half) of the menstrual cycle.
What it means for you
Brain hormone changes during the cycle may explain why some women get severe mood problems with PMDD. This is a review of existing research, not new discoveries. Researchers are studying these hormones as potential targets for treatment.
2-6%
Reproductive women with PMDD
About the study
- Original title
- Action by and sensitivity to neuroactive steroids in menstrual cycle related CNS disorders
- Authors
- N-Wihlbäck AC, Sundström-Poromaa I, Bäckström T
- Journal
- Psychopharmacology
- Year
- 2006
- Study design
- Review
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1007/s00213-005-0185-2
Topics
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