---
title: Could early stress or past trauma make PMDD symptoms worse later in the cycle?
description: This research offers a possible explanation for why PMDD symptoms vary so much, and why related conditions can worsen before a period. It is only a theory, no
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/the-systemic-follicular-neurosteroid-depletion-sfnd-model-2026/
---

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- Could early stress or past trauma make PMDD symptoms worse later in the cycle?

Study, 2026

# Could early stress or past trauma make PMDD symptoms worse later in the cycle?

This research offers a possible explanation for why PMDD symptoms vary so much, and why related conditions can worsen before a period. It is only a theory, not tested on patients, so we don't yet know if it is true.

 Early or limited evidence

No people were studied; this describes a proposed biological idea rather than a patient study.

## What they did

This is a theory piece, not a new study of patients. It proposes an idea linking stress or past trauma earlier in the cycle to worse PMDD symptoms later on, and connects this to other mental health conditions, such as borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder and ADHD, that can flare up before a period.

## What they found

The idea put forward is that stress or trauma early in the cycle may use up the raw materials the body needs to make a natural calming brain chemical. This shortage, the idea suggests, could explain why PMDD symptoms differ from one cycle to the next, and why conditions such as borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder and ADHD can become worse before a period in some women. No patients were tested to check whether this idea holds up.

## What it means for you

This is a proposed explanation, not proof. Because no patients have been tested yet, it should not be used to guide treatment decisions now. Studies in real patients would be needed to see whether the idea is correct.

## About the study

Original title THE SYSTEMIC FOLLICULAR NEUROSTEROID DEPLETION (SFND) MODEL Authors Elizaveta Kipiani Year 2026 Study design Study What was tested None tested; proposes a possible biological explanation rather than testing a treatment. Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.17605/osf.io/d42qs](https://doi.org/10.17605/osf.io/d42qs)

## Topics

[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[Premenstrual exacerbation (PME)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pme/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[Anxiety and tension](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-anxiety/)[Suicidality](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-suicidality/)[Stress](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-stress/)[Oral contraceptives and drospirenone](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-hormonal-contraceptives/)[Neurosteroids (allopregnanolone)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-neurosteroids/)[Psychotherapy, counselling and education](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-psychotherapy/)[ADHD](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-adhd/)[Bipolar disorder](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-bipolar/)[Borderline personality disorder](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-bpd/)[PTSD and trauma](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-ptsd-trauma/)[Pregnancy and postpartum](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-postpartum/)

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

Study, 2026

Do anxiety and depression get worse before your period if you already have a mental health condition?

Review, 2003

How do menstrual cycle hormones affect the brain and cause mood disorders like PMDD?

Cohort study, 2022

How common are suicidal thoughts and self-harm in people with PMDD?

Randomised trial, 2017

Does Sepranolone reduce symptoms of severe premenstrual syndrome (PMDD)?

Review, 2000

What conditions beyond depression can antidepressants treat?

Study, 2026

How do brain chemicals relate to PMDD and what treatments can help?

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