Case-control study, 2015
Is brain-derived neurotrophic factor different in women with PMDD across the menstrual cycle?
Yes. Women with PMDD had significantly higher BDNF levels during the luteal phase (before the period) compared to the follicular phase, and higher luteal levels than women without PMDD.
What they did
Researchers studied 20 women with PMDD and 29 without PMDD. They measured serum BDNF (a protein in the brain and blood that affects mood and nerve growth), estrogen, and progesterone during both the follicular phase and luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Participants were followed for 2 consecutive menstrual cycles.
What they found
Women with PMDD had significantly higher luteal phase BDNF levels than control women. In the PMDD group, BDNF was significantly higher in the luteal phase than the follicular phase. The difference in BDNF between the two cycle phases was significantly larger in women with PMDD than in controls.
What it means for you
The higher BDNF in the luteal phase in PMDD may reflect the brain's attempt to compensate for depressive symptoms, which improve in the follicular phase. This suggests altered responses of brain chemicals in PMDD, though the practical meaning for treatment is not yet clear.
20
Women with PMDD
29
Control women
2
Menstrual cycles monitored
About the study
- Original title
- Serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor differences between the luteal and follicular phases in premenstrual dysphoric disorder
- Authors
- Oral E, Kirkan TS, Yildirim A et al.
- Journal
- General hospital psychiatry
- Year
- 2015
- Study design
- Case-control study
- What was tested
- Blood tests measuring BDNF, estrogen, and progesterone
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2015.03.001
Topics
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