---
title: Does allopregnanolone cause mood problems in premenstrual dysphoria and postpartum depression?
description: It may trigger mood problems in susceptible women, but the research is preliminary. There is no clear evidence that allopregnanolone levels differ between tho
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/allopregnanolone-as-a-mediator-of-affective-switching-in-reproductive-mood-2014/
---

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

Survey study, 2014

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

It may trigger mood problems in susceptible women, but the research is preliminary. There is no clear evidence that allopregnanolone levels differ between those with and without these conditions.

 Early or limited evidence

Women with reproductive mood disorders (review article, no new participants)

## What they did

Review article examining the role of allopregnanolone in reproductive mood disorders. Synthesises existing research on how hormones affect the brain and mood during reproductive states.

## What they found

No reliable evidence shows allopregnanolone levels are different in people with premenstrual dysphoria or postpartum depression compared to those without. Animal models suggest changes in allopregnanolone during reproductive state changes may trigger mood problems in susceptible women. Preliminary data showed women with premenstrual dysphoria and those with postpartum depression history had higher depressive symptoms when allopregnanolone was higher after progesterone administration.

## What it means for you

Allopregnanolone may contribute to reproductive mood disorders by triggering dysregulation during hormone changes in susceptible women. However, this is based on animal models and preliminary data, not definitive proof. More research is needed to confirm how this works.

## About the study

Original title Allopregnanolone as a mediator of affective switching in reproductive mood disorders Authors Schiller CE, Schmidt PJ, Rubinow DR Journal Psychopharmacology Year 2014 Study design Survey study Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.1007/s00213-014-3599-x](https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-014-3599-x)

## 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/)[Pregnancy and postpartum](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-postpartum/)[Work and productivity](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-work/)

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