---
title: Are there hormone changes that could explain PMDD or depression in women?
description: Yes, women with PMDD have lower estrogen levels during the luteal phase of their cycle, and women with depression have lower testosterone levels. These hormon
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/variation-in-genes-and-hormones-of-the-hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian-axis-in-2021/
---

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- Are there hormone changes that could explain PMDD or depression in women?

Systematic review, 2021

# Are there hormone changes that could explain PMDD or depression in women?

Yes, women with PMDD have lower estrogen levels during the luteal phase of their cycle, and women with depression have lower testosterone levels. These hormonal differences may contribute to their symptoms.

 Strong study design

5,129 women with PMDD or depression from 63 case-control studies

## What they did

Systematic review and meta-analysis of 63 case-control studies with 5,129 women, comparing hormone levels in those with PMDD or depression versus healthy controls.

## What they found

Women with PMDD had lower luteal estradiol levels. Women with depression unrelated to pregnancy, postpartum, or perimenopause had lower testosterone and some evidence of lower DHEA-S levels. No hormone differences were found in women with pregnancy-related, postpartum, or perimenopausal depression.

## What it means for you

Specific hormone imbalances may partly explain why some women develop PMDD or depression during reproductive stages. More research is needed to understand how these hormones affect mood.

5129

Women in 63 studies

63

Case-control studies analyzed

## About the study

Original title Variation in genes and hormones of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis in female mood disorders - A systematic review and meta-analysis Authors Amiel Castro RT, Ehlert U, Fischer S Journal Frontiers in neuroendocrinology Year 2021 Study design Systematic review What was tested None (comparison of hormone levels) Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.1016/j.yfrne.2021.100929](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yfrne.2021.100929)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[Reproductive hormone sensitivity](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-hormone-sensitivity/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[Neurosteroids (allopregnanolone)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-neurosteroids/)[Major depressive disorder](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-major-depression/)[Pregnancy and postpartum](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-postpartum/)[Work and productivity](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-work/)

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

Systematic review, 2026

Why do some women experience mood changes linked to their menstrual cycle?

Review, 2012

Is depression linked to hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause?

Survey study, 2014

Does allopregnanolone cause mood problems in premenstrual dysphoria and postpartum depression?

Survey study, 2026

Does a history of mood problems with your period predict depression during menopause?

Review, 2026

Do PMDD, postpartum depression and perimenopausal depression have the same genetic causes?

Study, 2025

Can blood markers that predict depression after childbirth also predict PMDD?

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