---
title: Could treatments that affect the brain's GABA system help PMDD?
description: This review suggests GABA system changes may cause PMDD symptoms. Three compounds being tested in early clinical trials show promise, but much larger studies
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/gaba-ergic-modulators-new-therapeutic-approaches-to-premenstrual-dysphoric-2023/
---

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- Could treatments that affect the brain's GABA system help PMDD?

Survey study, 2023

# Could treatments that affect the brain's GABA system help PMDD?

This review suggests GABA system changes may cause PMDD symptoms. Three compounds being tested in early clinical trials show promise, but much larger studies are needed to confirm if they work.

 Early or limited evidence

Not applicable; this is a literature review

## What they did

This was a literature review examining research on allopregnanolone (a brain chemical) and the GABA system's role in PMDD. It discussed several compounds being tested in early clinical trials for PMDD treatment.

## What they found

The review found evidence that changes in allopregnanolone and GABA signaling during the luteal phase may cause mood problems in people susceptible to PMDD. Three compounds showed promising results in early clinical trials: dutasteride, isoallopregnanolone, and ulipristal acetate.

## What it means for you

This review proposes a biological explanation for PMDD that could lead to new treatments. These are early findings discussed in a review article, not results from a large clinical trial. Much more research is needed to confirm if these compounds are safe and effective.

3

compounds with promising early trial results discussed

## About the study

Original title GABA-ergic Modulators: New Therapeutic Approaches to Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder Authors Sikes-Keilp C, Rubinow DR Journal CNS drugs Year 2023 Study design Survey study What was tested Compounds discussed in review (not tested): dutasteride, isoallopregnanolone, ulipristal acetate Read the paper [doi.org/10.1007/s40263-023-01030-7](https://doi.org/10.1007/s40263-023-01030-7)

## 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/)[Reproductive hormone sensitivity](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-hormone-sensitivity/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[Estradiol, progesterone and hormone therapy](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-hormone-therapy/)[Neurosteroids (allopregnanolone)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-neurosteroids/)[Pregnancy and postpartum](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-postpartum/)[Relationships and partners](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-relationships/)[Quality of life and daily functioning](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-quality-of-life/)

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

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