Premenstrual Syndrome and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder as Centrally Based Disorders Original paper
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
I am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.
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Women’s Health
Women’s Health
Women’s health, a vital aspect of medical science, encompasses various conditions unique to women’s physiological makeup. Historically, women were often excluded from clinical research, leading to a gap in understanding the intricacies of women’s health needs. However, recent advancements have highlighted the significant role that the microbiome plays in these conditions, offering new insights and potential therapies. MicrobiomeSignatures.com is at the forefront of exploring the microbiome signature of each of these conditions to unravel the etiology of these diseases and develop targeted microbiome therapies.
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Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
OverviewPremenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) affects roughly 3–9% of women of reproductive age and manifests as severe mood, behavioral, and physical symptoms tightly linked to the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, distinguishing it from milder premenstrual syndrome (PMS).[1][2] Central to PMDD’s pathophysiology is an altered sensitivity of the central nervous system to normal fluctuations of […]
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Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) involves physical and emotional symptoms linked to hormonal fluctuations. Recent research highlights the role of heavy metals and gut microbiome imbalances in worsening these symptoms. Lifestyle changes, microbiome-targeted therapies, and toxin reduction show promise in effective PMS management.
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Divine Aleru
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Divine Aleru
What was studied?
This review examined the neuroendocrine and neurobiological mechanisms underlying Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), emphasizing their classification as centrally based disorders influenced by hormonal fluctuations. It also discussed current and novel therapeutic strategies targeting neuroactive steroids and neuroinflammation in PMS/PMDD.
Who was studied?
The review synthesized findings from clinical, neuroimaging, pharmacological, and molecular studies involving women diagnosed with PMS and PMDD across various reproductive stages, incorporating prospective symptom tracking and biochemical assessments to explore hormone-neurotransmitter interactions and brain sensitivity.
What were the most important findings?
The review highlighted that PMS and PMDD are neuro-hormonal disorders marked by increased central nervous system sensitivity to normal cyclical fluctuations of estrogens and progesterone, especially its metabolite allopregnanolone. This neurosteroid modulates GABA_A receptor activity, affecting mood regulation, and its altered function correlates with emotional and behavioral symptoms in PMDD. Impairments in opioid and serotonergic systems also contribute. Neuroinflammation via GABAergic pathways and elevated pro-inflammatory markers may play a role. Treatment focuses on stabilizing hormones, mainly with combined hormonal contraception, and modulating neuroactive steroids. SSRIs reduce symptoms by affecting serotonin pathways. Novel therapies targeting neurosteroid pathways, including progesterone receptor modulators, 5α-reductase inhibitors, and GABA_A receptor antagonists, show promise. However, treatment responses vary depending on hormonal regimens and individual profiles. Emerging evidence also suggests the gut-brain axis and microbiome influence symptom severity through neuroimmune interactions, though further study is needed.
What are the greatest implications of this study?
This review consolidates the understanding of PMS/PMDD as disorders rooted in neuroendocrine and neurochemical dysregulation, shifting the clinical perspective from purely gynecological or psychiatric frameworks to integrated neurobiological models. It underscores the necessity for personalized therapeutic approaches that combine hormonal regulation with neuroactive agents. The identification of neuroinflammation and microbiome influences opens novel research pathways and potential non-hormonal interventions. Clinicians should consider both established and emerging treatments to optimize symptom control, and researchers must prioritize elucidating the gut-brain interactions and refining neurosteroid-targeted therapies for improved patient outcomes.
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) involves physical and emotional symptoms linked to hormonal fluctuations. Recent research highlights the role of heavy metals and gut microbiome imbalances in worsening these symptoms. Lifestyle changes, microbiome-targeted therapies, and toxin reduction show promise in effective PMS management.