---
title: How do progesterone metabolites affect PMDD symptoms? | Niyora
description: Women with PMDD respond differently to these natural brain chemicals. Blocking one type may reduce negative mood symptoms, but this summary is incomplete.
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/effects-of-gaba-active-steroids-in-the-female-brain-with-a-focus-on-the-2018/
---

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- How do progesterone metabolites affect PMDD symptoms?

Randomised trial, 2018

# How do progesterone metabolites affect PMDD symptoms?

Women with PMDD respond differently to these natural brain chemicals. Blocking one type may reduce negative mood symptoms, but this summary is incomplete.

 Early or limited evidence

Multiple studies reviewed

## What they did

This is a summary of existing research about how progesterone metabolites (especially allopregnanolone) affect PMDD. It discusses lab studies, brain imaging findings, and clinical trials of related medications.

## What they found

Women with PMDD show altered sensitivity to allopregnanolone, a metabolite of progesterone. Brain imaging shows increased emotional reactivity in the amygdala (emotion center) during the luteal phase in women with PMDD. A medication called isoallopregnanolone significantly reduced negative mood symptoms when given by injection during the premenstrual phase in a randomized controlled trial.

## What it means for you

PMDD appears to involve abnormal brain responses to natural progesterone metabolites. Blocking these metabolites may help mood symptoms. However, this is a summary of existing research, not a new study, so the quality and strength of evidence varies. The original abstract provided is incomplete, making it difficult to assess all the findings.

3-5%

Percentage of women with PMDD

allopregnanolone

Progesterone metabolite studied

UC1010

Blocking medication tested

## About the study

Original title Effects of GABA active steroids in the female brain with a focus on the premenstrual dysphoric disorder Authors Bixo M, Johansson M, Timby E et al. Journal Journal of neuroendocrinology Year 2018 Study design Randomised trial What was tested Discussion of how progesterone metabolites and blocking medications affect PMDD Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.1111/jne.12553](https://doi.org/10.1111/jne.12553)

## Topics

[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[Menstrual cycle and mood](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-cycle-mood/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[Anxiety and tension](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-anxiety/)[Irritability and anger](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-irritability-anger/)[Cognition, concentration and memory](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-cognition/)[Neurosteroids (allopregnanolone)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-neurosteroids/)[Pregnancy and postpartum](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-postpartum/)

Research tells you what helps on average. Niyora helps on the day it hits.

Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor.

## Related studies

Review, 2003

How do menstrual cycle hormones affect the brain and cause mood disorders like PMDD?

Randomised trial, 2021

Does blocking progesterone receptors help women with PMDD control anger and aggression?

Randomised trial, 2017

Does Sepranolone reduce symptoms of severe premenstrual syndrome (PMDD)?

Randomised trial, 2023

Does a smartphone app for heart rate variability biofeedback reduce premenstrual and depressive symptoms?

Randomised trial, 2016

Does blocking progesterone conversion help PMDD symptoms?

Survey study, 2009

Why do some women feel depressed or anxious when progesterone increases before their period?

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