Why do some women get depressed during perimenopause? scientists investigate a key brain chemical

NCT ID NCT05329779

Terminated Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Brigham and Women's Hospital Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This study looked at how allopregnanolone, a natural brain chemical, affects mood and thinking in perimenopausal women with depression. Researchers gave participants either the drug brexanolone (a form of allopregnanolone) or a placebo to see how it changed their tendency to ruminate. The study was terminated early and only enrolled 2 women, so the findings are very limited.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: brexanolone (allopregnanolone)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could help explain why some women get depressed during perimenopause and point toward targeted treatments.
What could go wrong: The study was terminated early with only 2 participants, so results are very limited. It was a small, early-stage investigation, not a treatment trial.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Depression depressive disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

DEPRESSION

Contacts and locations

Locations

Brigham and Women's Hospital

Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, United States

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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.