--- title: Do brain chemistry genes shift across the menstrual cycle in women with mood changes? description: Yes, genes that control a brain chemical called GABA do change across the menstrual cycle in women with mood disorders. However, the relationship is complex: url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/peripheral-cyclical-expression-of-gaba-a-receptor-subunit-genes-and-menstrual-2025/ --- - [Niyora](https://niyora.com/) - [Research](https://niyora.com/research/) - [Library](https://niyora.com/research/library/) - Do brain chemistry genes shift across the menstrual cycle in women with mood changes? Survey study, 2025 # Do brain chemistry genes shift across the menstrual cycle in women with mood changes? Yes, genes that control a brain chemical called GABA do change across the menstrual cycle in women with mood disorders. However, the relationship is complex: both unusually high and unusually low gene activity can be linked to worsening mood symptoms like anxiety and suicidal thoughts. Early or limited evidence 112 participants (75 psychiatric outpatients with suicidality, 37 controls without psychiatric diagnosis) ## What they did Cross-sectional study measuring blood samples taken at set times in the cycle from 112 participants (75 with psychiatric conditions and suicidality, 37 controls). Researchers measured how much GABA-A receptor genes were being used. Women also reported their mood daily. ## What they found Gene expression decreased during the midluteal phase. Greater changes or higher average expression of GABRG2 and GABRA5 were linked to worse anxiety, irritability, and suicidal thoughts. Lower average expression was also linked to worsening anxiety and suicidal thoughts around menstruation and into the follicular phase. More stable expression was linked to less cyclical symptom change. ## What it means for you The way your brain's chemical system functions may shift with your cycle and contribute to PMDD symptoms. This is early research trying to understand the biology, but it is complex and needs much larger studies. Most participants had psychiatric conditions, so findings may not apply to everyone. 112 Total participants 75 Psychiatric outpatients 37 Control participants ## About the study Original title Peripheral cyclical expression of GABA-A receptor subunit genes and menstrual cycle affective change: a dimensional, transdiagnostic study Authors Barone JC, Romano R, Nagpal A et al. Journal Translational psychiatry Year 2025 Study design Survey study Participants 112 What was tested None; researchers measured existing gene expression patterns Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.1038/s41398-025-03767-9](https://doi.org/10.1038/s41398-025-03767-9) ## 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/)[Suicidality](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-suicidality/)[Neurosteroids (allopregnanolone)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-neurosteroids/) 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 Randomised trial, 2021 Does ulipristal acetate help premenstrual dysphoric disorder? Randomised trial, 2017 Does Sepranolone reduce symptoms of severe premenstrual syndrome (PMDD)? Randomised trial, 2018 How do progesterone metabolites affect PMDD symptoms? Randomised trial, 2016 Does blocking progesterone conversion help PMDD symptoms? Review, 2003 How do menstrual cycle hormones affect the brain and cause mood disorders like PMDD? Randomised trial, 1995 Does fluoxetine help premenstrual dysphoria? Ask AI about this page Copy prompt ChatGPT ↗ Claude ↗ Perplexity ↗ Google AI Mode ↗ Grok ↗