---
title: Is there a brain chemistry abnormality in PMDD? | Niyora
description: The study found some differences in brain chemistry related to mood in PMDD, with early-cycle levels predicting worse symptoms later in the cycle. The sample
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/adrenergic-receptors-in-premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder-i-platelet-alpha-2-1998/
---

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- Is there a brain chemistry abnormality in PMDD?

Non-randomised trial, 1998

# Is there a brain chemistry abnormality in PMDD?

The study found some differences in brain chemistry related to mood in PMDD, with early-cycle levels predicting worse symptoms later in the cycle. The sample was very small and the clinical meaning is unclear.

 Early or limited evidence

16 women with PMDD and 15 control women in follicular phase; 10 women with PMDD in late luteal phase

## What they did

Non-randomized study examining alpha 2 adrenergic receptor function in blood samples. 16 women with PMDD and 15 control women were tested during the follicular phase; 10 women with PMDD were tested during the late luteal phase. Researchers measured receptor density, binding properties, and coupling to cellular proteins.

## What they found

Women with PMDD had significantly lower antagonist affinity in these receptors. In controls, higher receptor density during the follicular phase was associated with fewer symptoms later. In PMDD patients, higher receptor density during the follicular phase predicted worse symptoms during the luteal phase.

## What it means for you

PMDD may involve an abnormality in mood-regulating brain chemistry, with early-cycle receptor levels possibly predicting later-cycle symptoms. The sample is very small (16 PMDD women in one phase), so results need confirmation before drawing firm conclusions.

16

women with PMDD in follicular phase

15

control women

10

women with PMDD in luteal phase

## About the study

Original title Adrenergic receptors in premenstrual dysphoric disorder: I. Platelet alpha 2 receptors: Gi protein coupling, phase of menstrual cycle, and prediction of luteal phase symptom severity Authors Gurguis GN, Yonkers KA, Phan SP et al. Journal Biological psychiatry Year 1998 Study design Non-randomised trial Participants 16 What was tested None - biological study Read the paper [doi.org/10.1016/s0006-3223(98)00097-3](https://doi.org/10.1016/s0006-3223(98)00097-3)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[Anxiety and tension](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-anxiety/)[Major depressive disorder](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-major-depression/)

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