---
title: Can brain imaging help explain how hormones affect mood in PMDD?
description: A review suggests that advanced PET brain imaging could reveal how neurotransmitters like serotonin and GABA interact with hormonal changes to cause PMDD symp
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/timing-matters-leveraging-positron-emission-tomography-imaging-and-hormonal-2026/
---

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- Can brain imaging help explain how hormones affect mood in PMDD?

Review, 2026

# Can brain imaging help explain how hormones affect mood in PMDD?

A review suggests that advanced PET brain imaging could reveal how neurotransmitters like serotonin and GABA interact with hormonal changes to cause PMDD symptoms. The approach is promising but not yet proven.

 Early or limited evidence

Review article on how menstrual cycle affects psychiatric symptoms

## What they did

Researchers reviewed published research on how menstrual cycle hormones affect psychiatric symptoms, particularly PMDD and ADHD, and how neurotransmitter systems work with these hormones. They focused on how PET imaging could be used to study these interactions.

## What they found

Serotonin changes are associated with mood changes in PMDD. Ovarian hormone fluctuations and neurotransmitter changes, particularly serotonin, GABA, dopamine, and norepinephrine, shape psychiatric symptoms. PMDD and ADHD symptoms increase during the luteal phase. PET imaging could identify how neurotransmitter systems interact with hormonal changes.

## What it means for you

This review proposes using advanced brain imaging to better understand PMDD mechanisms and develop phase-targeted treatments. However, this is currently a theoretical framework, not yet proven in practice.

## About the study

Original title Timing Matters: Leveraging Positron Emission Tomography Imaging and Hormonal Cycles for Precision Psychiatry in Female Mental Health Authors May E, Comasco E, Tiepolt S et al. Journal Biological psychiatry Year 2026 Study design Review What was tested Review proposing PET imaging approach (not tested) Read the paper [doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsych.2026.01.021](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsych.2026.01.021)

## 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/)[ADHD](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-adhd/)

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## 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?

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