---
title: Does the brain structure differ in women with PMDD? | Niyora
description: Women with PMDD had greater gray matter volume in the posterior cerebellum, and this was related to symptom severity. This is a very small study, so the findi
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/elevated-gray-matter-volume-of-the-emotional-cerebellum-in-women-with-2013/
---

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- Does the brain structure differ in women with PMDD?

Case-control study, 2013

# Does the brain structure differ in women with PMDD?

Women with PMDD had greater gray matter volume in the posterior cerebellum, and this was related to symptom severity. This is a very small study, so the findings may not apply to all women with PMDD.

 Early or limited evidence

12 women with PMDD and 13 healthy women

## What they did

Researchers compared brain MRI scans from women with PMDD and healthy women to measure gray matter volume (brain tissue) in different brain regions during two phases of the menstrual cycle.

## What they found

Women with PMDD showed greater gray matter volume in the posterior cerebellum compared with healthy controls. This increase was proportional to PMDD symptom severity. Women with PMDD also showed reduced age-related loss in posterior cerebellar volume.

## What it means for you

This suggests the cerebellum might play a role in PMDD. However, the study was very small and we don't yet understand why this structural change occurs or whether it contributes to symptoms.

12

women with PMDD

13

healthy controls

## About the study

Original title Elevated gray matter volume of the emotional cerebellum in women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder Authors Berman SM, London ED, Morgan M et al. Journal Journal of affective disorders Year 2013 Study design Case-control study Participants 13 What was tested none Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2012.06.038](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2012.06.038)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[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/)

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## Related studies

Cohort study, 2026

What genetic factors are linked to premenstrual symptoms?

Study, 2026

How do women with PMDD process emotions differently in their brains?

Systematic review, 2026

Why do some women experience mood changes linked to their menstrual cycle?

Case-control study, 2026

Do women with PMS handle emotions differently at different times of the cycle?

Systematic review, 2025

Do people with PMDD and severe PMS have difficulties with emotion regulation?

Cohort study, 2025

Do women with a history of PMS or PMDD have more depression during pregnancy and after birth?

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