--- title: Does a brain chemical called BDNF predict mood changes in perimenopausal women with depression? description: Yes. Women with perimenopausal depression who had higher BDNF levels had worse mood symptoms, which differs from typical depression patterns. url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/brain-derived-neurotrophic-factor-and-mood-in-perimenopausal-depression-2022/ --- - [Niyora](https://niyora.com/) - [Research](https://niyora.com/research/) - [Library](https://niyora.com/research/library/) - Does a brain chemical called BDNF predict mood changes in perimenopausal women with depression? Survey study, 2022 # Does a brain chemical called BDNF predict mood changes in perimenopausal women with depression? Yes. Women with perimenopausal depression who had higher BDNF levels had worse mood symptoms, which differs from typical depression patterns. Early or limited evidence 14 perimenopausal women aged 38-52 with regular menstrual cycles ## What they did 14 perimenopausal women aged 38-52 with regular menstrual cycles were measured at two points in their menstrual cycle (mid-to-late follicular phase and around menstruation) over 1-2 cycles. Researchers measured BDNF levels, mood symptoms using multiple rating scales, and inflammatory markers. ## What they found Higher BDNF levels were significantly linked to worse depression scores (p=0.0028), worse overall mood disturbance (p=0.0394), worse irritability (p=0.0067), and worse depression inventory scores (p=0.0231). Cycle phase did not affect this relationship. ## What it means for you This suggests perimenopausal depression may work differently than regular depression, where higher BDNF is usually protective. However, this is a very small study with only 14 women and many statistical comparisons, so results may not be reliable. 14 Women studied 49 Time points measured 0.0028 p-value for BDNF and depression link ## About the study Original title Brain-derived neurotrophic factor and mood in perimenopausal depression Authors Harder JA, Fichorova RN, Srivastava A et al. Journal Journal of affective disorders Year 2022 Study design Survey study Participants 14 What was tested None - observational study Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2021.12.092](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2021.12.092) ## Topics [Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[Menstrual cycle and mood](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-cycle-mood/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[Irritability and anger](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-irritability-anger/)[Major depressive disorder](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-major-depression/)[Perimenopause and menopause](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-perimenopause/)[Relationships and partners](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-relationships/) 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 What are premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder? Case report, 2022 Does sertraline help women with severe premenstrual dysphoric disorder? Survey study, 1989 Do women's memories of premenstrual depression match their daily mood ratings? Randomised trial, 2025 Does taking an antidepressant only during the second half of your cycle reduce anger and aggression in PMDD? Cohort study, 2023 Does the menstrual cycle affect how often women have suicidal thoughts? Cohort study, 2022 What are PMS and PMDD and how should they be diagnosed and treated? Ask AI about this page Copy prompt ChatGPT ↗ Claude ↗ Perplexity ↗ Google AI Mode ↗ Grok ↗