---
title: Does serotonin function change differently in PMDD versus PMS versus healthy women?
description: Women with PMDD show unusually high serotonin function in the follicular phase but low function in the luteal phase, different from women with PMS and healthy
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/fluctuating-serotonergic-function-in-premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder-and-2007/
---

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- Does serotonin function change differently in PMDD versus PMS versus healthy women?

Case-control study, 2007

# Does serotonin function change differently in PMDD versus PMS versus healthy women?

Women with PMDD show unusually high serotonin function in the follicular phase but low function in the luteal phase, different from women with PMS and healthy women. This suggests PMDD involves an unstable serotonin system.

 Early or limited evidence

24 women (7 with PMDD, 8 with PMS without PMDD, 9 healthy controls)

## What they did

24 women (7 with PMDD, 8 with PMS without PMDD, 9 healthy controls) were given paroxetine 20 mg orally on three separate occasions across their menstrual cycle: in the follicular phase, early luteal phase, and late luteal phase. Blood tests measuring ACTH and cortisol were taken before and every hour for 6 hours after the medication.

## What they found

Women with PMDD showed significantly different patterns of serotonin function across the menstrual cycle compared to the other two groups. They had higher serotonin function in the follicular phase but lower function in the luteal phase.

## What it means for you

PMDD appears to involve an unstable serotonin system that fluctuates across the menstrual cycle differently than in regular PMS or healthy cycles. This could explain why PMDD has more severe mood symptoms. The study is very small, so findings need confirmation.

7

Women with PMDD

8

Women with PMS without PMDD

20 mg

Paroxetine dose

## About the study

Original title Fluctuating serotonergic function in premenstrual dysphoric disorder and premenstrual syndrome: findings from neuroendocrine challenge tests Authors Inoue Y, Terao T, Iwata N et al. Journal Psychopharmacology Year 2007 Study design Case-control study What was tested Paroxetine 20 mg as a test of serotonin function Read the paper [doi.org/10.1007/s00213-006-0607-9](https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-006-0607-9)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[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/)[Stress](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-stress/)[SSRIs and antidepressants](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-ssri/)

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## Related studies

Review, 1999

Is premenstrual dysphoric disorder a distinct clinical disorder?

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Does fluoxetine help premenstrual dysphoria?

Study, 2026

Do anxiety and depression get worse before your period if you already have a mental health condition?

Cohort study, 2022

What are PMS and PMDD and how should they be diagnosed and treated?

Survey study, 2022

Do stress and rumination increase with PMS severity?

Randomised trial, 2017

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

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