Scientists probe brain chemistry behind severe PMS to unlock better treatments
NCT ID NCT06704594
First seen May 11, 2026 · Last updated Jun 23, 2026 · Updated 8 times
Summary
This study looks at how brain chemicals called neuroactive steroids change across the menstrual cycle in women with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) compared to healthy women. It also tests whether a low-dose antidepressant (sertraline) affects these chemical levels. The goal is to better understand what causes PMDD and how current treatments work, involving 288 women aged 18-50.
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This is a summary of
the original study
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Contacts and locations
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Study contacts
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
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Contact
Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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Reproductive Mental Health Center
RECRUITINGBaltimore, Maryland, 21205, United States
Contact Email: •••••@•••••
Contact
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
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University of Virginia
RECRUITINGCharlottesville, Virginia, 22903, United States
Contact Email: •••••@•••••
Contact
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
sertraline (an antidepressant)
What this could lead to
If successful, this could reveal why some women develop PMDD and how antidepressants help, pointing toward more targeted treatments.
What could go wrong
This is an early-stage, observational study focused on understanding mechanisms, not testing a new treatment. Results may not lead directly to new therapies.
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.