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.
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
Topics
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