---
title: What causes PMDD? | Niyora
description: PMDD involves progesterone and brain chemistry. When progesterone converts to a substance called allopregnanolone in the brain, it affects how GABA receptors
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/the-role-of-neurosteroids-in-the-development-of-premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder-2023/
---

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- What causes PMDD?

Survey study, 2023

# What causes PMDD?

PMDD involves progesterone and brain chemistry. When progesterone converts to a substance called allopregnanolone in the brain, it affects how GABA receptors (brain cells that create calming signals) respond, which may trigger PMDD.

 Early or limited evidence

This is a review article summarizing existing research, not a study of specific people.

## What they did

This is a review article that examined existing research on the biological mechanisms of PMDD. The authors summarized evidence about how progesterone and brain chemistry relate to PMDD and discussed possible new treatments targeting these mechanisms.

## What they found

Evidence shows that PMDD involves altered conversion of progesterone to allopregnanolone in the brain and changed sensitivity of the GABA system (the brain's calming chemical system). Three potential treatment approaches were identified: using allopregnanolone antagonists, blocking progesterone conversion to allopregnanolone, or restoring GABA system sensitivity.

## What it means for you

PMDD appears to stem from specific brain chemistry involving progesterone. New treatments being explored would target these biological mechanisms. This summarizes what is already known from research, not new findings.

3

Potential treatment mechanisms described

## About the study

Original title The role of neurosteroids in the development of premenstrual dysphoric disorder Authors D. A. Lutskaya, Tea A. Dzhibladze, D. S. Petelin et al. Journal Russian Bulletin of Obstetrician-Gynecologist Year 2023 Study design Survey study What was tested None. This is a literature review of biological mechanisms. Read the paper [doi.org/10.17116/rosakush20232303156](https://doi.org/10.17116/rosakush20232303156)

## 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/)[Neurosteroids (allopregnanolone)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-neurosteroids/)[Pregnancy and postpartum](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-postpartum/)

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## Related studies

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Does sertraline change brain chemicals in people with PMDD, and does this relate to symptom improvement?

Case-control study, 2022

Are differences in emotional brain activity in women with PMDD related to progesterone-derived neurosteroids?

Randomised trial, 2021

Does blocking progesterone receptors help women with PMDD control anger and aggression?

Randomised trial, 2020

Do steroid metabolites differ between women with PMDD and those without?

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