---
title: What brain changes occur in PMDD? | Niyora
description: Multiple brain regions show structural and functional changes in PMDD, including the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, hippocampus, and other areas. Some changes c
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/functional-and-structural-neuroimaging-in-premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder-a-2024/
---

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- What brain changes occur in PMDD?

Systematic review, 2024

# What brain changes occur in PMDD?

Multiple brain regions show structural and functional changes in PMDD, including the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, hippocampus, and other areas. Some changes correlate with how severe symptoms are.

 Moderate study design

608 women with PMDD and 418 healthy women (1,026 total)

## What they did

Systematic review of neuroimaging studies comparing women with PMDD to healthy women without PMDD. Searched medical databases from inception through April 2023. Included 24 controlled studies and 2 non-controlled studies using different types of brain imaging: functional MRI, structural MRI, spectroscopy, diffusion tensor imaging, and PET scans.

## What they found

1,026 individuals total: 608 women with PMDD and 418 healthy controls. Six brain structures showed changes in PMDD: prefrontal cortex, amygdala, hippocampus, insula, basal ganglia, and cerebellum. Some brain changes correlated with symptom severity and menstrual cycle phase, such as increased serotonin transporter binding in the midbrain during the luteal phase in women with depressive symptoms.

## What it means for you

PMDD involves multiple brain regions, not just one area. Some changes relate to how severe your symptoms are and what phase your cycle is in. However, findings vary widely between studies, so brain imaging cannot yet be used clinically to diagnose PMDD.

1,026

individuals studied total

608

women with PMDD

6

brain regions with changes

## About the study

Original title Functional and structural neuroimaging in premenstrual dysphoric disorder: A systematic review Authors Monteiro DC, Ramos CDS, Alves LENN et al. Journal Journal of psychiatric research Year 2024 Study design Systematic review What was tested Neuroimaging studies compared to healthy controls Read the paper [doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychires.2024.05.024](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychires.2024.05.024)

## 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/)

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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

Can digital tools help diagnose PMDD?

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

How do cognition and behavior change across the menstrual cycle in people with PMDD?

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