---
title: Do oral contraceptives improve mood in women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder?
description: This theoretical review proposes that birth control pills affect mood by changing brain chemicals called neurosteroids, but researchers still disagree on whet
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/oral-contraceptives-and-mood-in-women-with-and-without-premenstrual-dysphoria-a-2006/
---

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- Do oral contraceptives improve mood in women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder?

Survey study, 2006

# Do oral contraceptives improve mood in women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder?

This theoretical review proposes that birth control pills affect mood by changing brain chemicals called neurosteroids, but researchers still disagree on whether the pills improve or worsen mood in PMDD.

 Early or limited evidence

Women with and without PMDD

## What they did

A literature review presenting a theoretical model of how oral contraceptives might affect mood through changes in neurosteroids (brain chemicals derived from hormones). The authors review research on estrogen, progesterone, and their effects on brain function and PMDD.

## What they found

The review proposes that progestins (synthetic progesterone in birth control pills) may affect mood by changing neurosteroid levels. However, the authors note that despite numerous studies, there is no consensus on the effects of oral contraceptives on mood.

## What it means for you

Birth control pills may affect mood through brain chemical changes, but more research is needed to understand exactly how and whether they help or harm mood in women with PMDD. This is a theoretical framework for future research, not new research findings.

## About the study

Original title Oral contraceptives and mood in women with and without premenstrual dysphoria: a theoretical model Authors Kurshan N, Neill Epperson C Journal Archives of women's mental health Year 2006 Study design Survey study What was tested None Read the paper [doi.org/10.1007/s00737-005-0102-z](https://doi.org/10.1007/s00737-005-0102-z)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[Oral contraceptives and drospirenone](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-hormonal-contraceptives/)[Neurosteroids (allopregnanolone)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-neurosteroids/)[Relationships and partners](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-relationships/)

Research tells you what helps on average. Niyora helps on the day it hits.

Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor.

## Related studies

Study, 2008

How common is PMDD and how does it affect women's lives?

Review, 2017

What causes PMDD and what are the best treatments?

Randomised trial, 2011

Does a 24/4 birth control pill help women with PMDD improve work, relationship, and social functioning?

Study, 2026

What treatments work for PMDD?

Review, 2020

Does progesterone help or harm women's mood?

Review, 2019

Which contraceptive methods are safest for women with PMDD?

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