Survey study, 2014
Does allopregnanolone, a progesterone metabolite, cause mood problems in PMDD?
Theory suggests it might. In women with PMDD, allopregnanolone levels increase during the menstrual cycle and appear linked to mood changes. Paradoxically, this brain chemical normally calms the brain.
What they did
This is a review article summarising existing research on allopregnanolone and mood disorders. It examines how allopregnanolone affects brain receptors and presents evidence from various studies about its role in PMDD.
What they found
Women with PMDD had increased negative mood symptoms when allopregnanolone rose during the luteal phase. The relationship was U-shaped, with moderate levels causing the most problems while very low or very high levels had less effect. Women with PMDD showed different sensitivity to allopregnanolone than those without. Paradoxical mood reactions to drugs affecting the same brain system occur in 3-8% (severe) and 25% (moderate), similar to PMDD and PMS prevalence.
What it means for you
This theory suggests PMDD might be caused by how some women's brains respond to a natural brain chemical made from progesterone. However, this is a review article, not new research proving cause. Much more study is needed to confirm this explanation.
3-8%
PMDD prevalence among women of fertile age
25%
with moderate PMS symptoms
3-8%
with paradoxical mood reactions to related drugs
About the study
- Original title
- Allopregnanolone and mood disorders
- Authors
- Bäckström T, Bixo M, Johansson M et al.
- Journal
- Progress in neurobiology
- Year
- 2014
- Study design
- Survey study
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/j.pneurobio.2013.07.005
Topics
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