This study examines the effects of estrogen and progesterone on mood, the stress response,
and brain function and behavior in women with premenstrual syndrome.
Previously this study has demonstrated leuprolide acetate (Lupron (Registered Trademark)) to
be an effective treatment for PMS. The current purpose of this study is to evaluate how low
levels of estrogen and progesterone (that occur during treatment with leuprolide acetate)
compare to menstrual cycle levels of estrogen and progesterone (given during individual
months of hormone add-back) on a variety of physiologic measures (brain imaging, stress
testing, etc.) in women with PMS.
PMS is a condition characterized by changes in mood and behavior that occur during the second
phase of the normal menstrual cycle (luteal phase). This study will investigate possible
hormonal causes of PMS by temporarily stopping the menstrual cycle with leuprolide acetate
and then giving, in sequence, the menstrual cycle hormones progesterone and estrogen. The
results of these hormonal studies will be compared between women with PMS and healthy
volunteers without PMS (see also protocol 92-M-0174).
At study entry, participants will undergo a physical examination. Blood, urine, and pregnancy
tests will be performed. Cognitive functioning and stress response will be evaluated during
the study along with brain imaging and genetic studies.