---
title: Could PMDD increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease later in life?
description: Possibly, but this is unproven. PMDD and Alzheimer's may share biological problems in hormone levels, brain chemistry, and genes, but researchers have not yet
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder-as-a-potential-predisposing-factor-for-alzheimer-2025/
---

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- Could PMDD increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease later in life?

Review, 2025

# Could PMDD increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease later in life?

Possibly, but this is unproven. PMDD and Alzheimer's may share biological problems in hormone levels, brain chemistry, and genes, but researchers have not yet shown PMDD causes Alzheimer's.

 Early or limited evidence

Review of research - no specific population studied

## What they did

Reviewed research exploring possible biological connections between PMDD and Alzheimer's disease, focusing on hormones, brain chemicals, and genetic factors.

## What they found

Researchers identified potential shared biological problems: fluctuations in estradiol and allopregnanolone (hormones), dysregulation of GABA and serotonin (brain chemicals), and the APOE epsilon 4 genetic variant. These same factors appear abnormal in both PMDD and Alzheimer's.

## What it means for you

PMDD might be a biological marker or early warning sign for future Alzheimer's risk. However, this review is mostly theoretical based on possible mechanisms, not proof that PMDD causes Alzheimer's. Much more research is needed.

## About the study

Original title Premenstrual dysphoric disorder as a potential predisposing factor for Alzheimer's disease: a review Authors Yang J, Cheng M, Jiang Z et al. Journal Frontiers in endocrinology Year 2025 Study design Review What was tested None - theoretical review Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2025.1580947](https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2025.1580947) Original abstract

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) differ significantly in terms of onset period and clinical manifestations. However, recent studies suggest that the two conditions may share potential links at the neuroendocrine and molecular levels. This review synthesizes current research progress and explores the intersecting biological pathways between PMDD and AD, with a particular focus on dynamic fluctuations in estradiol (E2) and allopregnanolone (ALLO), dysregulation of the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic system and serotonergic (5-HT) neurotransmitter systems, and sex-specific vulnerability associated with the apolipoprotein E epsilon 4 (APOE ϵ4) allele. These mechanisms suggest that PMDD may serve as a potential biological precursor state for AD, offering valuable implications for early screening and intervention. The analysis provides new theoretical insights and research directions for identifying high-risk female populations, understanding sex differences in AD pathogenesis, and developing targeted therapeutic strategies.

Reproduced under CC-BY.

## Topics

[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[Neurosteroids (allopregnanolone)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-neurosteroids/)

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