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Review, 2025

How is the brain's emotion center involved in PMS and PMDD?

The amygdala, which controls emotional responses, shows abnormalities in women with PMDD and severe PMS. Understanding these changes may help develop better treatments.

Early or limited evidence Review of existing research (not a new study)

What they did

Review of research on the amygdala in women with PMS and PMDD.

What they found

The amygdala is involved in emotional regulation and stress response and shows abnormalities in PMS and PMDD. Different parts of the amygdala have different roles in emotion, memory, and stress. Connections between the amygdala and other brain regions appear altered in these conditions.

What it means for you

The amygdala may be central to why PMS and PMDD affect emotions so much. Understanding these brain connections could lead to better treatments. This is a review of existing research, so specific new findings are not yet available.

About the study

Original title
Characteristics of the amygdala and its subregions in premenstrual syndrome/premenstrual dysphoric disorder patients
Authors
Cheng M, Li B, Zhang Z et al.
Journal
Zhong nan da xue xue bao. Yi xue ban = Journal of Central South University. Medical sciences
Year
2025
Study design
Review
What was tested
None (literature review)
Open access
Yes

Topics