---
title: Are progesterone-related brain molecules different in women with panic disorder?
description: Women with panic disorder had higher levels of progesterone-related brain molecules during different phases of their menstrual cycle compared to healthy women
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/neurosteroid-secretion-in-panic-disorder-2003/
---

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- Are progesterone-related brain molecules different in women with panic disorder?

Case-control study, 2003

# Are progesterone-related brain molecules different in women with panic disorder?

Women with panic disorder had higher levels of progesterone-related brain molecules during different phases of their menstrual cycle compared to healthy women. This suggests the brain may be overproducing these molecules.

 Moderate study design

25 women with panic disorder and 11 healthy women

## What they did

Case-control study measuring progesterone-related brain molecules in 25 women with panic disorder and 11 healthy women. Measurements were taken during early follicular, mid-luteal, and premenstrual phases during both a drug-free month and a month taking paroxetine.

## What they found

Women with panic disorder had significantly higher progesterone during mid-luteal phase, pregnenolone during premenstrual phase in the drug-free month, allopregnanolone during follicular phase (drug-free) and premenstrual phase (on paroxetine), and tetrahydrodeoxycorticosterone during premenstrual phases. DHEA levels did not differ between groups. Results suggest neurosteroid overproduction in panic disorder.

## What it means for you

Progesterone-related brain molecules vary across the menstrual cycle and may affect anxiety symptoms. Women with panic disorder produce excess amounts of these molecules, suggesting the brain is trying to manage anxiety. This understanding may help develop treatments for cycle-related mood changes.

25

women with panic disorder

11

healthy control women

## About the study

Original title Neurosteroid secretion in panic disorder Authors Brambilla F, Biggio G, Pisu MG et al. Journal Psychiatry research Year 2003 Study design Case-control study Participants 25 What was tested Drug-free observation and paroxetine medication Read the paper [doi.org/10.1016/s0165-1781(03)00077-5](https://doi.org/10.1016/s0165-1781(03)00077-5)

## Topics

[Anxiety and tension](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-anxiety/)[SSRIs and antidepressants](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-ssri/)[Neurosteroids (allopregnanolone)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-neurosteroids/)[Anxiety disorders and OCD](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-anxiety-disorders/)[Economic burden](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-economic-burden/)

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