Non-randomised trial, 1998
Is there a brain chemistry abnormality in PMDD?
The study found some differences in brain chemistry related to mood in PMDD, with early-cycle levels predicting worse symptoms later in the cycle. The sample was very small and the clinical meaning is unclear.
What they did
Non-randomized study examining alpha 2 adrenergic receptor function in blood samples. 16 women with PMDD and 15 control women were tested during the follicular phase; 10 women with PMDD were tested during the late luteal phase. Researchers measured receptor density, binding properties, and coupling to cellular proteins.
What they found
Women with PMDD had significantly lower antagonist affinity in these receptors. In controls, higher receptor density during the follicular phase was associated with fewer symptoms later. In PMDD patients, higher receptor density during the follicular phase predicted worse symptoms during the luteal phase.
What it means for you
PMDD may involve an abnormality in mood-regulating brain chemistry, with early-cycle receptor levels possibly predicting later-cycle symptoms. The sample is very small (16 PMDD women in one phase), so results need confirmation before drawing firm conclusions.
16
women with PMDD in follicular phase
15
control women
10
women with PMDD in luteal phase
About the study
- Original title
- Adrenergic receptors in premenstrual dysphoric disorder: I. Platelet alpha 2 receptors: Gi protein coupling, phase of menstrual cycle, and prediction of luteal phase symptom severity
- Authors
- Gurguis GN, Yonkers KA, Phan SP et al.
- Journal
- Biological psychiatry
- Year
- 1998
- Study design
- Non-randomised trial
- Participants
- 16
- What was tested
- None - biological study
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/s0006-3223(98)00097-3
Topics
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