Investigating hormone fluctuations and brain receptor changes in women with severe premenstrual symptoms
Official title: 1/2 Allopregnanolone and Dynamic GABA-A Receptor Plasticity in Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor Responsive Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-10975641 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a low-dose medication called an SSRI can help women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) by understanding how it works with certain hormones and brain receptors during their menstrual cycle.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | September 11, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $485,915 |
| NIH project number | 1R01MH134904-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10975641 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women diagnosed with premenstrual dysphoric disorder who have regular menstrual cycles.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have PMDD or those with irregular menstrual cycles may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a severe condition affecting many women due to hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle. The study will explore how low-dose selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) interact with specific brain receptors and hormones, particularly allopregnanolone, to understand their effects on PMDD symptoms. By examining the fluctuations of neuroactive steroids and their impact on GABA-A receptors, the research aims to clarify the mechanisms behind PMDD and the effectiveness of SSRIs. Participants will be women with regular menstrual cycles, and the study will involve assessments during the luteal phase of their cycles.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment options and a better understanding of PMDD, potentially enhancing the quality of life for affected women.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding hormonal influences on mood disorders, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
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Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hantsoo, Liisa Victoria — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Hantsoo, Liisa Victoria
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.