Scientists probe brain chemistry behind severe PMS to unlock better treatments
NCT ID NCT06704594
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
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.
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.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Phase 4
Runs after approval, following long-term safety and how well the treatment works in everyday use.
- Participants
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About 288 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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May 2025
- Expected to finish
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Jul 2029
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 50 years
- Sex
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Female participants only
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * female sex, * fluent in the English language * regular menstrual cycles (24-35 days) * age 18-50 years old * ability to give written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * psychiatric medication use in the past 2 months * substance use disorder in the past 6 months * lifetime history of psychotic disorder including schizophrenia * schizoaffective disorder, major depression with psychotic features * history of psychiatric disorder other than PMDD in past year * active suicidal ideation with plan or attempt in past 6 months * steroid hormone or hormonal contraceptive use (except levonorgestrel as emergency contraceptive) in past 2 months * pregnancy in past 6 months * history of brain injury * current or history of endocrine disorder including uncontrolled diabetes or thyroid disease * BMI\>40 * History of arrythmias, severe liver impairment, history of seizure disorder * If currently taking the following meds: methylene blue, linezolid * Other prohibited concomitant meds are Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), pimozide, and disulfiram
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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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
2 sites. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Reproductive Mental Health Center
RECRUITINGBaltimore, Maryland, 21205, United States
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University of Virginia
RECRUITINGCharlottesville, Virginia, 22903, United States
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