Allopregnanolone and Dynamic GABA-A Receptor Plasticity in Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor Responsive Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
Eligible age
18–50 yrs
Accepts
Women
Locations
2 states
Healthy volunteers
Yes
See if you qualify for this study
Answer a few quick questions about your location and health. Takes about a minute.
About this study
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe affective disorder impacting millions of women worldwide, thought to be due to altered sensitivity to hormone fluctuations across the menstrual cycle. Neuroactive steroid hormones (NAS) and the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-A receptor (GABAAR) are thought to play a role in PMDD. This research will assess the blood levels of GABAergic NAS, expression of associated enzymes, and expression of GABAAR subunits across the premenstrual (luteal) phase of the menstrual cycle in healthy controls and individuals with PMDD. Within the PMDD group, the investigators will assess how these measures are affected by a low-dose antidepressant medication versus placebo. The results will provide a comprehensive view of the changes in these systems across the menstrual cycle and will add to the investigator's understanding of the mechanisms that underlie PMDD, as well as therapeutic mechanisms of PMDD treatment.
Sponsor: Johns Hopkins University
You may qualify if…
- ✓ female sex,
- ✓ fluent in the English language
- ✓ regular menstrual cycles (24-35 days)
- ✓ age 18-50 years old
- ✓ ability to give written informed consent
You may not qualify if…
- ✕ 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
Where it's recruiting
Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · NCT06704594 · last updated 2026-05-07