---
title: Is serotonin different in women with PMDD? | Niyora
description: Yes. Women with PMDD show signs of lower serotonin activity in the brain, especially in the luteal phase.
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/reduced-platelet-tritium-labeled-imipramine-binding-sites-in-women-with-1992/
---

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- Is serotonin different in women with PMDD?

Lab study, 1992

# Is serotonin different in women with PMDD?

Yes. Women with PMDD show signs of lower serotonin activity in the brain, especially in the luteal phase.

 Early or limited evidence

9 women with late luteal phase dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and 12 healthy control women

## What they did

Researchers measured serotonin activity markers in blood samples from 9 women with PMDD and 12 healthy women. Samples were taken during both the follicular and luteal phases of the cycle.

## What they found

Women with PMDD had lower serotonin activity markers than healthy women. Both follicular and luteal phase levels were lower in PMDD women, but the difference was clearest in the luteal phase.

## What it means for you

Lower serotonin activity in the brain may contribute to PMDD symptoms, which would support using serotonin-raising medications like SSRIs. However, this is a small study and the findings need confirmation.

9

women with PMDD

12

control women

## About the study

Original title Reduced platelet tritium-labeled imipramine binding sites in women with premenstrual syndrome Authors Steege JF, Stout AL, Knight DL et al. Journal American journal of obstetrics and gynecology Year 1992 Study design Lab study Participants 9 Read the paper [doi.org/10.1016/s0002-9378(11)91653-6](https://doi.org/10.1016/s0002-9378(11)91653-6)

## 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/)

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

## Related studies

Cohort study, 2026

What genetic factors are linked to premenstrual symptoms?

Systematic review, 2026

How often do mood disorders and PMS or PMDD occur together?

Systematic review, 2026

Does vitamin D supplementation help PMS 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?

Systematic review, 2026

How much of PMDD treatment improvement comes from placebo effect?

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