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Survey study, 2022

How can animal models help us understand and treat PMDD?

This review discusses how animal models are used to study PMDD. It concludes that PMDD is complex and involves multiple hormone systems, and effective animal models must capture this complexity to develop new treatments.

Moderate study design Not applicable - this is a review of animal models and hormone systems

What they did

This was a review analyzing current knowledge about premenstrual disorders, the hormone systems involved (particularly those controlling the ovaries and stress responses), and the animal models used in PMDD research.

What they found

The review found that ovarian hormones play a role in PMDD, and several points in how these hormones are made, broken down, and affect the brain could be abnormal in PMDD. The review discusses various animal models used to study PMDD and identifies gaps in how well they represent human PMDD.

What it means for you

Understanding PMDD requires studying hormone systems in animal models. Because PMDD in humans involves many factors working together, animal models need to be sophisticated to accurately represent the condition and lead to useful treatments.

~80%

women worldwide with mild premenstrual disorders

3-8%

women with severe PMDD

About the study

Original title
Can animal models resemble a premenstrual dysphoric condition?
Authors
Erika EC, López-Rubalcava C
Journal
Frontiers in neuroendocrinology
Year
2022
Study design
Survey study
What was tested
Not applicable - review article

Topics