A systematic review of brain scans looked at women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder, or PMDD, compared to healthy women. The review combined data from 598 participants, including 294 with PMDD and 304 healthy controls. The studies used functional MRI to see how brain regions activate.
The review found that women with PMDD had decreased activation in several brain areas linked to emotion and self-control. These included the anterior cingulate cortex, dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, medial orbitofrontal cortex, and postcentral gyrus. In contrast, the amygdala and insula showed increased activation. The review also noted impairments in corticolimbic connectivity.
The review did not report safety data, effect sizes, or statistical significance. It is a synthesis of existing studies, not new research. The findings suggest brain differences may be linked to PMDD symptoms, but they do not prove cause and effect.
The main reason to be careful is that this is a review of small, early studies. It cannot guide treatment. The authors suggest these brain patterns could inform future interventions, but more research is needed.