---
title: What brain changes do women with PMS and PMDD have? | Niyora
description: Brain imaging shows that women with PMS and PMDD have structural and functional differences in their limbic system (the emotion center of the brain), particul
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/mri-advances-on-structural-and-functional-changes-in-limbic-system-with-2025/
---

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- What brain changes do women with PMS and PMDD have?

Study, 2025

# What brain changes do women with PMS and PMDD have?

Brain imaging shows that women with PMS and PMDD have structural and functional differences in their limbic system (the emotion center of the brain), particularly in three areas: the amygdala, hypothalamus, and hippocampus. These differences may help explain the symptoms.

 Moderate study design

Review of brain imaging studies in women with PMS and PMDD

## What they did

Reviewed research using MRI brain imaging to study the brains of women with PMS and PMDD and to look at structural and functional changes.

## What they found

Structural and functional abnormalities in the limbic system, particularly in the amygdala, hypothalamus, and hippocampus. These areas are closely linked to emotion, stress response, and memory.

## What it means for you

These brain differences may be a central mechanism behind how PMS and PMDD develop and why they cause emotional and physical symptoms. The limit is that this is a review of existing research, not new data, so the findings depend on the quality of those studies.

3

Brain areas with abnormalities (amygdala, hypothalamus, hippocampus)

## About the study

Original title MRI advances on structural and functional changes in limbic system with premenstrual syndrome Authors Shanshan Li, Gaoxiong Duan, Demao Deng Journal Meta-Radiology Year 2025 Study design Study What was tested None. This reviews observational imaging research. Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.1016/j.metrad.2025.100147](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.metrad.2025.100147)

## 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/)[Major depressive disorder](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-major-depression/)[Quality of life and daily functioning](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-quality-of-life/)

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