Project Summary

Karen F. Berman, M.D. (Independent Investigator 2000) of National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH/NIH), is examining the brain mechanisms that underlie severe premenstrual syndrome, a cyclical disorder characterized by disabling mood-related symptoms. There are many indications that these symptoms are related to the female hormones estrogen and progesterone, but the mechanisms by which abnormalities of these hormones are not well defined. Dr. Berman will use a safe medicine that temporarily turns off ovarian function in women with severe PMS and normal controls. She will then use several brain imaging tools, including positron emission tomography, functional magnetic resonance imaging, and magnetic resonance spectroscopy, to define brain changes during the absence of these hormones and during hormone replacement. This work may provide a better understanding of the brain altera-tions that cause this recurrent and disabling disorder.

Program Area: OTHER\Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

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