--- title: Is brain-derived neurotrophic factor different in women with PMDD across the menstrual cycle? description: Yes. Women with PMDD had significantly higher BDNF levels during the luteal phase (before the period) compared to the follicular phase, and higher luteal leve url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/serum-brain-derived-neurotrophic-factor-differences-between-the-luteal-and-2015/ --- - [Niyora](https://niyora.com/) - [Research](https://niyora.com/research/) - [Library](https://niyora.com/research/library/) - Is brain-derived neurotrophic factor different in women with PMDD across the menstrual cycle? Case-control study, 2015 # Is brain-derived neurotrophic factor different in women with PMDD across the menstrual cycle? Yes. Women with PMDD had significantly higher BDNF levels during the luteal phase (before the period) compared to the follicular phase, and higher luteal levels than women without PMDD. Moderate study design 20 women with PMDD and 29 without ## What they did Researchers studied 20 women with PMDD and 29 without PMDD. They measured serum BDNF (a protein in the brain and blood that affects mood and nerve growth), estrogen, and progesterone during both the follicular phase and luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Participants were followed for 2 consecutive menstrual cycles. ## What they found Women with PMDD had significantly higher luteal phase BDNF levels than control women. In the PMDD group, BDNF was significantly higher in the luteal phase than the follicular phase. The difference in BDNF between the two cycle phases was significantly larger in women with PMDD than in controls. ## What it means for you The higher BDNF in the luteal phase in PMDD may reflect the brain's attempt to compensate for depressive symptoms, which improve in the follicular phase. This suggests altered responses of brain chemicals in PMDD, though the practical meaning for treatment is not yet clear. 20 Women with PMDD 29 Control women 2 Menstrual cycles monitored ## About the study Original title Serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor differences between the luteal and follicular phases in premenstrual dysphoric disorder Authors Oral E, Kirkan TS, Yildirim A et al. Journal General hospital psychiatry Year 2015 Study design Case-control study What was tested Blood tests measuring BDNF, estrogen, and progesterone Read the paper [doi.org/10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2015.03.001](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2015.03.001) ## 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/) 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 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? Ask AI about this page Copy prompt ChatGPT ↗ Claude ↗ Perplexity ↗ Google AI Mode ↗ Grok ↗