RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

To Establish Whether Individuals With Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) Demonstrate a Different Luteal-phase Sex Hormone Profile and Ratio Compared With Asymptomatic Controls.

This study is investigating whether women with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) have different hormone levels or hormone ratios during a specific part of their menstrual cycle, compared to women who don't experience these severe premenstrual symptoms. PMDD is a serious condition causing significant mood, thinking, and physical problems before a period. While hormone levels are usually considered normal in PMDD, some believe people with PMDD might be more sensitive to natural hormone changes. Researchers will specifically compare levels of two hormones, progesterone and oestradiol, seven days after ovulation. By looking at their individual levels and their ratio, this study hopes to find clues about the biological causes of PMDD and potentially guide future research.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Lancaster University

Enrolment target

Start

05 May 2026

Estimated completion

01 Aug 2027

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder ( PMDD)

What is this study about?

You might be interested in this study if you or someone you know experiences Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, often called PMDD. PMDD is a very difficult condition where women have severe emotional, mental, and physical symptoms in the days leading up to their period. These symptoms get better soon after their period starts. Many women with PMDD feel like their hormones are out of whack, but doctors often find their general hormone levels are within the normal range.

This study is trying to understand PMDD better. Even though overall hormone levels might be normal, some scientists think that people with PMDD might react differently to the natural ups and downs of hormones during their cycle. Specifically, this research will compare two important hormones – progesterone and oestradiol – in women with PMDD versus women who don't have these symptoms. They’ll look at samples taken about seven days after ovulation, which is a key time in the menstrual cycle, and also examine the balance (or ratio) between these two hormones.

The main goal is to see if there's a specific pattern or difference in these hormone levels or their ratio in women with PMDD. Finding such a difference could be a big step towards understanding why some women develop PMDD. This knowledge could then help doctors develop better ways to diagnose and treat PMDD in the future.

Key takeaways

This study compares hormone levels in women with and without PMDD.
It focuses on progesterone and oestradiol levels and their balance about seven days after ovulation.
The goal is to understand if specific hormone patterns are linked to PMDD.
Participation involves tracking ovulation at home and a single blood test.
This research is important for finding potential causes of PMDD and improving future treatments.

Who may be eligible?

To be able to take part in this study, you need to be a woman between 18 and 45 years old and have regular menstrual periods, typically lasting 21-35 days. You or your doctor should have previously said that you have PMDD to be in one group, or you shouldn't have any significant premenstrual mood problems to be in the comparison group. You also need to be able to understand the study information and speak enough English, and you must agree to give written permission to take part.

There are several reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you're currently using or have recently used hormonal birth control (like the pill, implant, or hormonal coil) or hormone replacement therapy in the last three months. You also can't participate if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or have recently given birth. If your periods are irregular, you've had an early menopause, or have certain other medical conditions (like uncontrolled thyroid issues), you also won't be able to join. If you're taking certain medications like strong steroids or some mood-altering drugs that have been recently changed, you wouldn't be suitable either.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you a woman between 18 and 45 years old?
Do you have regular periods, usually every 21-35 days?
Do you either have a diagnosis of PMDD, or no significant premenstrual mood problems?
Are you currently not using hormonal birth control or hormone replacement therapy?
Are you able to attend one blood test appointment in Lancaster?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you would first need to complete a questionnaire to help the researchers confirm if you're suitable. Once accepted, you'll need to use special urine test strips at home to track your ovulation (when your body releases an egg). About seven days after you ovulate, you'll need to attend a single in-person appointment at a site in Lancaster. During this visit, a blood sample will be taken. There are no medications or new treatments involved in this study; it's purely about collecting information through questionnaires and a blood test. The overall time commitment will mostly involve using the home test strips and attending that one blood test appointment.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study won't directly improve your PMDD symptoms right away, as it's an observational study, not a treatment. However, your involvement is very valuable as it will help researchers better understand PMDD, which could lead to better treatments for PMDD in the future. The main risks are minor discomfort or bruising from the blood test, and the need to attend an appointment. There is also the time commitment involved. You are free to change your mind and withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and it will not affect your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Lancaster University
Verified postcode
Lancaster, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is PMDD?

PMDD stands for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder. It's a severe condition where women experience significant emotional, mental, and physical problems in the week or two before their period, which then get better after the period starts.

What are hormones, and why are they important in this study?

Hormones are chemical messengers in your body. In this study, researchers are focusing on specific sex hormones (progesterone and oestradiol) to see if their levels or balance might be different in women with PMDD, which could give clues about the condition.

Will I get any treatment for PMDD in this study?

No, this study is not about treatment. It's an observational study that aims to understand the condition better by looking at hormone levels. You won't receive any new medication or therapy as part of this research.

What is 'ovulation' and why do I need to track it?

Ovulation is when your body releases an egg, which is a key part of your menstrual cycle. You'll track it at home to help the researchers take your blood sample at the right time in your cycle, about seven days afterwards when hormone levels are usually important for study.

What does a 'case-control study' mean?

It means the study compares two groups: a 'case' group (women who have PMDD) and a 'control' group (women who do not have PMDD). By comparing them, researchers can see if there are differences that might be linked to the condition.

How to find out more

Milli Raizada, MBCHB Hons

m.raizada2@lancaster.ac.uk +44 (0)1524 65201 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.