Expand the treatment horizon of premenstrual dysphoric disorder with targeted therapeutic approaches

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a sex-specific cyclic mood disorder characterized by heterogenous mood and physical symptoms during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Currently available treatment options for PMDD are limited and suboptimal. With advanced understanding in pathophysiology of PMDD, the interaction between the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) system and allopregnanolone, a neuroactive steroid derivative of progesterone, have been proposed as a potentially effective target for the treatment of PMDD. Although further research is needed, early clinical findings of new targeted treatments, such as dutasteride, isoallopregnanolone and ulipristal acetate, have demonstrated promising results in women with PMDD.