--- title: Are brain networks organized differently in women with PMDD? | Niyora description: Yes, women with PMDD showed altered communication patterns between brain regions in both cycle phases. The study is relatively small, so results need confirma url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/trait-related-changes-in-brain-network-topology-in-premenstrual-dysphoric-2020/ --- - [Niyora](https://niyora.com/) - [Research](https://niyora.com/research/) - [Library](https://niyora.com/research/library/) - Are brain networks organized differently in women with PMDD? Case-control study, 2020 # Are brain networks organized differently in women with PMDD? Yes, women with PMDD showed altered communication patterns between brain regions in both cycle phases. The study is relatively small, so results need confirmation in larger groups. Moderate study design 24 drug-naive women with PMDD and 27 women without premenstrual symptoms ## What they did Researchers scanned the brains of 24 drug-naive women with PMDD and 27 women without premenstrual symptoms during the follicular and late-luteal phases using fMRI to measure how connected different brain regions were to each other. ## What they found Women with PMDD showed altered communication patterns between brain regions in both cycle phases, with regions more connected overall. They had different connectivity in the anterior temporal lobe, basal ganglia, and thalamus. Difficulty with emotion regulation was linked to specific connectivity patterns involving the striatum, thalamus, and prefrontal cortex. ## What it means for you PMDD may involve how different brain regions communicate with each other, not just changes in hormone levels. These differences could be stable features of the disorder rather than temporary changes. But the study is relatively small and would need to be repeated in larger groups. 24 women with PMDD 27 women without premenstrual symptoms 2 brain scans per person at different cycle phases ## About the study Original title Trait-related changes in brain network topology in premenstrual dysphoric disorder Authors Dan R, Reuveni I, Canetti L et al. Journal Hormones and behavior Year 2020 Study design Case-control study What was tested None Read the paper [doi.org/10.1016/j.yhbeh.2020.104782](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yhbeh.2020.104782) ## Topics [Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[Menstrual cycle and mood](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-cycle-mood/)[Reproductive hormone sensitivity](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-hormone-sensitivity/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[Work and productivity](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-work/) 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 Systematic review, 2026 Why do some women experience mood changes linked to their menstrual cycle? Review, 2016 How do reproductive hormones affect mood and behavior in women? Review, 2012 Is depression linked to hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause? Systematic review, 2021 Are there hormone changes that could explain PMDD or depression in women? Review, 2015 What do we know about PMS and PMDD and how are they treated? Review, 2008 What medications are FDA-approved for treating PMDD? Ask AI about this page Copy prompt ChatGPT ↗ Claude ↗ Perplexity ↗ Google AI Mode ↗ Grok ↗