Treatment Trials

46 Clinical Trials for Various Conditions

Focus your search

Partial Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study to Assess the Effect of Anastrozole on the Endometrium in Healthy Volunteers
Description

Aromatase inhibitors have been approved for use in postmenopausal women to treat and prevent breast cancer. They act by blocking the action of the enzyme, aromatase, that is necessary for the production of estradiol. This class of drugs, aromatase inhibitors, are very effective in reducing estradiol levels in postmenopausal women and in treating estrogen receptor positive breast cancers. This study is examining the effect of a specific inhibitor, anastrozole, on endometrial thickness in premenopausal women. The endometrium is sensitive to estradiol and also has local aromatase which, if inhibited, may result in reduced endometrial thickness. The main hypothesis is that anastrozole can be administered at any time during the menstrual cycle and reduce endometrial thickness compared to placebo.

Conditions

Menstruation Disorders

Study Evaluating Combination of Levonorgestrel (LNG) and Ethinyl Estradiol (EE) in Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
Description

The purpose of this study is to determine whether levonorgestrel (LNG)/ethinyl estradiol (EE) is effective in treating the symptoms of severe premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

Conditions

Menstruation Disturbances, Premenstrual Syndrome

Investigation of Female Reproductive Hormone Dynamics During Adolescence
Description

Irregular menstrual cycles are common in girls for several years after their first menstrual period. The cause of abnormal menstrual cycles during this time is not well-understood. The purpose of this study is to: 1) monitor girls during a menstrual cycle (with blood and urine sampling and serial pelvic ultrasounds) to identify those girls who do not ovulate (release of an egg from the ovary), and 2) determine whether cycles can be corrected by treating girls with a short course of low-dose estrogen and progesterone.

Conditions

Menstruation Disturbances

Tamoxifen for the Treatment of Unfavorable Bleeding in Contraceptive Implant Users
Description

The purpose of this study is to study whether a drug called tamoxifen can reduce vaginal bleeding in women who are using the Etonogestrel contraceptive implant.

Conditions

Menstruation Disturbances

Effect of 'Cramp Bites' on Period Cramps in Women Aged 18-25
Description

85 percent of women of reproductive age experience consistent period cramps/menstrual pain, and 60% indicate that they do not use painkillers to relieve menstrual symptoms; there is a need for natural and non-medicative supplements to dysmenorrhea. The purpose of this clinical trial is to examine the effect of 'Cramp Bites'--classified by a mixture of natural ingredients researched to help with period pain--on women suffering from primary dysmenorrhea: this will be done through providing participants with the snack and surveying them on how it changes their period symptoms.

Conditions

Dysmenorrhea Primary, Dysmenorrhea, Menstrual Discomfort, Menstrual Problem, Menstrual Cycle Abnormal, Menstrual Pain, Period Pain, Period Problem, PMS, Premenstrual Syndrome, PCOS, PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) of Bilateral Ovaries, PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) of Left Ovary, PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) of Right Ovary, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, Cramps, Ovarian Cysts

Hormonal Influences on Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
Description

Of the 1.8 million females with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) in the US, over half of those who are premenopausal suffer from cyclical menstrual-related IBD symptoms, regardless of how well their disease is controlled. Despite the significant impact that cyclical IBD symptoms, such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and fatigue have on quality of life, evidence about how to alleviate these symptoms is lacking. In other chronic conditions which are hormonally influenced, such as epilepsy, hormonal contraception may be used to favorably impact disease-related symptoms associated with menses and improve quality of life. In our previous cross-sectional study, 47% of the levonorgestrel intrauterine device users and 19% of combination oral contraceptive users reported improvement in their cyclical IBD symptom. All hormonal methods may plausibly improve symptoms, but prospective, rigorous data evaluating their efficacy for this purpose are lacking. In order to design a future comparative effectiveness trial on the effect of hormonal contraceptive methods on menstrual-related IBD symptoms, we propose this pilot prospective cohort study of 200 females with IBD: 100 naturally cycling and 100 hormonal contraception users. We will gain essential knowledge on IBD-specific influences on contraceptive method selection, willingness to be randomized to methods, the ability of IBD patient reported outcome (PRO) instruments to differentiate between non-menstrual and menstrual-related IBD symptoms, and assess the potential role of inflammatory markers as outcome measures in future trials. We will recruit participants from the University of Utah IBD Center and clinics, other Utah gastroenterology providers, and through social media ads. Total study commitment will be \~12 weeks. Study activities will include daily and weekly text message surveys, as well as blood draws and fecal samples for inflammatory markers in a subset of participants which are commonly used for IBD management. Our aims include: (1) To identify preferences and reasons for contraceptive method selection (or non-use) and willingness to participate in a randomized controlled trial, to inform feasibility of a future trial, (2) To obtain estimates of means and standard deviations for the validated Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis PRO Instruments by menstrual timing in naturally-cycling participants and between bleeding and non-bleeding days in hormonal contraception users, and (3) To assess correlation between inflammatory marker changes (fecal calprotectin \& high sensitivity C-reactive protein), menstrual timing or bleeding/non-bleeding days, and IBD PRO responses, in a subset of 30% of Aim 1 participants. This pilot will inform a future trial design to define non-contraceptive benefits of hormonal contraception on cyclical IBD symptoms. This line of inquiry will allow for an adjuvant approach for IBD symptom management that is sex-specific and addresses both concerns for hormonal triggers and the need for highly-effective contraception for those who desire it.

Conditions

Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, Contraception, Menstrual Problem

Iyengar Yoga Therapy for Dysmenorrhea and Endometriosis
Description

The purpose of this clinical trial is to look at the effectiveness of prescribing yoga classes to patients with dysmenorrhea (irregular or painful periods), or other menstrual disorders on patients' self reported pain and quality of life. Patients will be recruited from primary care clinics around Illinois, including Carle Hospital. This is a randomized trial in which patients will first be randomized into the control or intervention group. Patients in the control group will undergo usual care and be surveyed at baseline, 3 months, 6 months and 9 months. Patients in the control group will be offered the 3 months of yoga therapy complimentary after completing the 9 month control. Control patients who choose to participate in the yoga therapy will be asked to also complete the surveys at the end of the 3 month yoga intervention. Patients in the intervention group will first undergo 3 months of regular care and then 3 months of biweekly yoga classes. Participants will complete surveys at baseline, 3 months (after of control care), 6 months (after 3 months of biweekly yoga classes), 9 months, and 12 months (after 6 months of observation and optional yoga practice).

Conditions

Secondary Dysmenorrhea, Dysmenorrhea, Dysmenorrhea Secondary, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Endometriosis, Fibroid, Menstrual Pain, Menstrual Disorder, Menstrual Discomfort

A Treatment Study for Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Description

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.

Conditions

Premenstrual Syndrome, Menstruation Disturbances

Impact of MEnstruation on Glycemic Response and Exercise In Females With Type 1 Diabetes
Description

The objectives of this study are to examine how sex hormones (use of hormonal birth control, menstrual cycle phase) impact glycemic control among women with type 1 diabetes (T1D), and to test adjustments to insulin dosing and food intake to ameliorate cycle-related glycemic variability. A secondary aim is to examine how the menstrual cycle and use of hormonal birth control impact patient-reported outcomes and glycemic responses to physical activity.

Conditions

Type 1 Diabetes, Hypoglycemia, Hyperglycaemia Due to Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, Menstruation Disturbances

Acupuncture for People Experiencing Period Loss Due to Chemotherapy
Description

The purpose of this study is to find out whether it is practical (feasible) to use acupuncture to treat period loss (amenorrhea) caused by chemotherapy treatment in people with cancer. The researchers will look at how many participants enroll and complete the study. The researchers will also study how treatment with acupuncture affects the amount of time for the menstrual cycle to return and symptoms and quality of life related to amenorrhea.

Conditions

Cancer, Period Problem

Minitouch Endometrial Ablation System Treatment for Menorrhagia: An Evaluation of Safety & Effectiveness
Description

The EASE Clinical Trial is prospective, multi-center, single-arm (open-label), non-randomized, clinical trial to evaluate the Minitouch Endometrial Ablation System ("Minitouch System") in premenopausal women with menorrhagia.

Conditions

Menorrhagia, Heavy Menstrual Bleeding, Heavy Uterine Bleeding

Evaluation of Modified Treatment Regimens for Treatment of Heavy Menstrual Bleeding Using the HerOption® System
Description

The Her Option® Cryoablation Therapy System is a closed-loop cryosurgical device that is used to ablate the endometrial lining in pre-menopausal women with menorrhagia (excessive menstrual bleeding) due to benign causes. This is a non-incisional procedure, which can be performed in a physicians office with minimal sedation. Initial FDA clinical studies were conducted with a two-freeze treatment pattern consisting of a 4 minute freeze with the Cryoprobe positioned in one cornu followed by a second freeze of 6 minutes with the Cryoprobe repositioned in the contralateral cornu. Since completion of the early studies, many physicians have experimented with varying freeze patterns using longer freeze durations and/or additional freezes at the fundus and the lower uterine segment. The results, as reported in the literature, indicate that these extended freeze patterns produce significantly better results than the original regimen.

Conditions

Menorrhagia

Wellness Intervention for Menstrual Mood Disorders
Description

This study has been funded by National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) to compare two behavioral interventions for Menstrual Mood Disorders, including premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Both of these interventions will be run in a group format, meaning that you will be part of a group of other women who have a menstrual mood disorder. Both of these interventions will be run by experienced mental health professionals and both interventions have been shown to be effective in reducing mood symptoms, increasing a sense of well-being, and helping individuals cope with stress. While it is expected that both interventions to be associated with some benefit, this study is designed to see which is better for women with a menstrual mood disorder.

Conditions

Menstrual Mood Disorders

EnBrace HR for PMS With Prominent Mood Symptoms or Menstrual Related Mood Disorders
Description

The purpose of this study is to assess a novel nutritional supplement developed for prenatal health and mood benefits, and to determine whether there is preliminary evidence for efficacy in Menstrual Related Mood Disorders (MRMD), including PMS with Prominent Mood Symptoms and PMDD.

Conditions

Premenstrual Syndrome, Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, Premenstrual Tension, Menstrual Related Mood Disorder

Hormonal Causes of Menstrual-Related Mood Disorders
Description

This study will explore possible hormonal causes of menstrual-related mood disorders (MRMD) by stopping the menstrual cycle with a drug called Lupron and then giving in sequence two menstrual cycle hormones, progesterone and estrogen. The study will first evaluate Lupron's effectiveness in treating MRMD and will then examine the effects of giving estrogen and progesterone on mood and behavior. In addition, positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) will be used to study serotonin receptors and transporters - molecules in the brain that are thought to play a major role in mood changes related to the menstrual cycle. Menstruating women between 18 and 50 years of age who are in good health, not pregnant, and not taking medications may be eligible for this study. Women with MRMD must have had at least moderately severe MRMD or behavioral disturbances for at least 6 months within 2 years of entering the study. Healthy controls must have no history of MRMD or behavioral disturbances. Candidates undergo physical and neurological examinations, chest x-ray, electrocardiogram, and blood and urine tests. Results of a recent Pap smear (no longer than 12 months before beginning the study) must be available. Participants undergo the following tests and procedures: * Drug treatment: Lupron is injected into a muscle once a month for 5 months. After the second month, participants receive estrogen or progesterone, or both, daily. Estrogen is delivered through a skin patch (20 micrograms per day) and the progesterone is taken as a rectal or vaginal suppository twice a day for the remaining 12 weeks of the study. Every day, all participants wear a skin patch and insert two suppositories, but at some point during the 12 weeks, active medication is replaced with placebo to allow the drugs to wash out of the body. * Physical examination and blood draw: A physical examination and blood tests are done at the start of the study and several times during the study to assess general health, evaluate liver and kidney function, and measure blood cell counts. * Response to treatment drugs: Responses to Lupron, estrogen, and progesterone are evaluated periodically with interviews and symptoms self-rating scales. Control subjects also take paper and pencil psychological tests. * PET imaging: A total of six PET scans are done at three time points during hormone treatment. PET uses small amounts of a radioactive chemical called a tracer that "labels" active areas of the brain. For the procedure, the subject lies on the scanner bed. A special mask is fitted to the head and attached to the bed to help keep the subject's head still during the scan so the images will be clear. A brief scan is done just before the radioactive tracer is injected to help in analyzing the PET data. After the tracer is injected through a catheter (plastic tube) placed in the arm, pictures are taken for about 2 hours, during which the subject lies still on the scanner bed. * MRI scan: MRI uses a magnetic field and radio waves to produce images of body tissues and organs. For this procedure, the patient lies on a table that is moved into the scanner (a narrow cylinder) and wears earplugs to muffle loud knocking and thumping sounds that occur during the scanning process. The procedure lasts about 1 hour.

Conditions

Mood Disorders, Depression

Relationship Between the Menstrual Cycle and Heart Disease in Women
Description

Women who have regular menstrual cycles have a lower risk of heart disease than men of the same age or women who no longer have menstrual cycles. The purpose of this study is to help determine why the menstrual cycle causes a lower risk of heart disease. The investigators believe that the hormones (estradiol and progesterone) produced during the menstrual cycle, as well as the normal processes occurring in the follicle and corpus luteum (transformed follicle), change levels of "good" and "bad" cholesterol in the blood-stream. These levels of good and bad cholesterol are an important risk factor for heart disease. Therefore, our goal is to determine what effects each of these factors (estradiol, progesterone, follicle, corpus luteum) have on the levels of good and bad cholesterol in the woman's bloodstream. As many women take birth control pills, which contain synthetic forms of estradiol and progesterone that block ovulation and development of a corpus luteum, the investigators also want to determine what effect one common type of birth control pill has on levels of good and bad cholesterol.

Conditions

Coronary Heart Disease

The Effect of GnRH on Pitutitary Hormones in Menstrual-Cycle Mood Related Disorders
Description

The normal menstrual cycle is produced by a series of hormonal signals that starts with the release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) from the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is located in the brain and is often referred to as the master gland. GnRH then acts on the pituitary gland and causes it to release two hormones, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and lutenizng hormone (LH). LH and FSH act on the ovary and cause it to release the hormones directly involved in menstruation, estrogen and progesterone. The purpose of this research study is to evaluate the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis activity as measured by pituitary hormones, FSH and LH in response to intravenous doses of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) in menstrual cycle-related hormones.

Conditions

Depressive Disorder, Healthy, Mental Disorders, Mood Disorders

Dutasteride to Treat Women With Menstrually Related Mood Disorders
Description

This study will explore the effects of dutasteride on mood and the stress response across the menstrual cycle. Dutasteride blocks production of neurosteroids-hormones that help regulate the stress response systems. These systems may be disturbed in women with menstrually related mood disorders (MRMD). The effects of the drug will be compared in women with and without MRMD to determine how neurosteroids regulate mood and the stress response across the menstrual cycle. Dutasteride is approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (excess growth of the prostate gland) in men. Menstruating women 30 to 45 years of age with and without MRMD may be eligible for this study. Candidates are screened with a medical and psychiatric history, physical examination, screening for symptoms of depression, and routine blood and urine tests. Participants are required to use barrier contraception (condoms or diaphragm) during the 3-month study and 6-month follow-up. Participants undergo the following tests and procedures: * Dutasteride or placebo treatment: Participants receive 1 month of dutasteride and 2 months of placebo. Neither the participants nor the investigators know when the subject is taking the active medication or the placebo. * Biweekly follow-up visits: Every 2 weeks during the 3-month treatment period, patients come to the NIH Clinical Center to have blood drawn and to complete mood symptoms ratings. * Monthly follow-up visits: Participants return to the Clinical Center once a month for 6 months after the end of the treatment period to monitor hormone levels and pregnancy status.

Conditions

Premenstrual Syndrome, PMS, Healthy, Depression

Estradiol vs Lysteda in Treatment of Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
Description

Treatment with Estradiol is non-inferior to treatment with Tranexamic acid in reducing the amount and duration of menstrual blood loss in women with cyclic heavy menstrual bleeding

Conditions

Menstrual Cycle and Uterine Bleeding Disorders

Study of Oral Ubrogepant to Assess Adverse Events and Change in Disease Activity in Adult Participants With Menstrual Migraine
Description

A migraine is a moderate to severe headache typically on one side of the head. A migraine attack is a headache that may be accompanied by throbbing, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound, or other symptoms. Menstrual migraine (MM) is defined as migraine attacks that occur within the perimenstrual period (PMP) in at least 2 out of 3 menstrual cycles. The PMP is from 2 days before the onset of menstrual bleeding to 2 days after. This study will assess how safe and effective ubrogepant is in treating menstrual migraine. Adverse Events and change in disease activity will be assessed. Ubrogepant is an investigational drug being developed for short-term prevention of menstrual migraine. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of the 2 groups to receive either ubrogepant or placebo. Around 450 adult female participants with menstrual migraine will be enrolled in approximately 100 sites in the United States and Puerto Rico. Participants will receive oral ubrogepant tablets once daily for 7 consecutive days starting 3 days prior to estimated onset of menses per cycle for 3 PMPs during double-blind period (16 weeks). Eligible participants may continue to receive oral ubrogepant tablets once daily for 7 consecutive days per cycle starting 3 days prior to estimated onset of menses during open-label extension period (52 weeks). There may be higher treatment burden for participants in this trial compared to their standard of care. Participants will collect data daily in electronic diaries and attend regular visits during the study at a hospital or clinic. The effect of the treatment will be checked by medical assessments, blood tests, checking for side effects and completing questionnaires.

Conditions

Migraine

Menstrual Effects On Mood Symptoms in Bipolar Disorder
Description

Background and Rationale for Study: Estrogen and progesterone are female hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle and likely serve an important role in the regulation of mood. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) which affects 75% of healthy women is a cyclic pattern of mild dysphoria and physical discomfort that begin 1-2weeks pre-menses, and resolve by 2-3 days post-onset of menses. Up to 66% of women with bipolar disorder (BD) describe premenstrual mood changes that range from mild symptoms to severe worsening that require hospitalization. Therefore, the hormonal shifts of the menstrual cycle likely influence bipolar symptoms, but confirmatory research is lacking. Study questions: The primary aims and hypotheses are to characterize bipolar mood symptoms throughout the menstrual cycle and to determine if women with BD have: 1) a) increased severity and persistence of depression and mania symptoms in the late luteal (premenstrual) vs early follicular phase, b) larger change in mood symptoms from the late luteal (premenstrual) to the early follicular phase, compared to healthy women, 2) more relapses, in the late luteal compared to the early follicular phase. The secondary aims are to determine: 1) frequency and severity of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) type symptoms in bipolar women; 2) association between bipolar mood variability and a) menstrual phase, b) ovulatory vs anovulatory cycles, c) antimanic drug treatment.

Conditions

Bipolar Disorder

Allopregnanolone and Dynamic GABA-A Receptor Plasticity in Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor Responsive Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
Description

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe affective disorder impacting millions of women worldwide, thought to be due to altered sensitivity to hormone fluctuations across the menstrual cycle. Neuroactive steroid hormones (NAS) and the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-A receptor (GABAAR) are thought to play a role in PMDD. This research will assess the blood levels of GABAergic NAS, expression of associated enzymes, and expression of GABAAR subunits across the premenstrual (luteal) phase of the menstrual cycle in healthy controls and individuals with PMDD. Within the PMDD group, the investigators will assess how these measures are affected by a low-dose antidepressant medication versus placebo. The results will provide a comprehensive view of the changes in these systems across the menstrual cycle and will add to the investigator's understanding of the mechanisms that underlie PMDD, as well as therapeutic mechanisms of PMDD treatment.

Conditions

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)

The Effects of Mixhers HERTIME Supplements on Menstrual Symptoms
Description

The purpose of this study is to assess Mixhers HERTIME supplements efficacy in alleviating menstrual cycle symptoms.

Conditions

Healthy, Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, Premenstrual Syndrome

Delivering Transcutaneous Auricular Neurostimulation to Reduce Heavy Menstrual Bleeding in Patients With and Without Von Willebrand Disease
Description

The objectives of this study are to determine if transcutaneous auricular neurostimulation (tAN) can modulate hemostasis, improve perceived quality of life, and improve pain during the menstrual cycle of von Willebrand Disease (VWD) patients.

Conditions

Von Willebrand Disease, Type 1, Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

Identifying the Determinants of Bleeding and Hypermobility in Patients With Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
Description

In this study, researchers want to learn about the connection between heavy bleeding issues and joint hypermobility (loose joints). They want to know if these issues may indicate other connective tissue problems in girls and women with heavy menstrual bleeding who do not have a known cause. Primary Objective * Compare the severity of heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) in women with and without Generalized joint Hypermobility Syndrome Disorder/hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (G-HSD/hEDS) using bleeding scores. Secondary Objectives * Compare the frequency of co-morbidities in women with and without G-HSD/hEDS.

Conditions

Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Heavy Menstrual Bleeding, Hypermobility Syndrome (Disorder)

Menstrual Phase Endometrial Scratch in IUI Cycles
Description

Patients undergoing treatment with intrauterine insemination (IUI) will be randomized to receive an endometrial scratch or sham procedure during the menstrual phase of the treatment cycle.

Conditions

Fertility Disorders, Fertility Issues

Ultrasonographic Evaluation of Anovulatory Disorders in Lean and Overweight Women
Description

The investigators would like to determine whether ultrasound features of the ovaries can be used to reliably diagnose different types of anovulatory disorders in women across all body types. The study will also try to establish whether ultrasound features of the ovary can reflect the degree of reproductive and metabolic problems that a woman with irregular or absent periods might be experiencing.

Conditions

Menstrual Cycle Abnormal, PCOS, Overweight, Obesity

Chronic Pain Risk Associated With Menstrual Period Pain
Description

The purpose of this study is to determine if some women with dysmenorrhea (painful periods) are at higher future risk of developing chronic pelvic pain (CPP) and if oral contraceptives (OC) can be used to reverse this chronic pain risk. Investigators will examine whether dysmenorrhea produces CPP via repetitive cross organ sensitization (COS) episodes. The use of cyclical OCs to eliminate dysmenorrhea is expected to reduce COS and decrease the risk of developing CPP.

Conditions

Cystitis, Interstitial, Dysmenorrhea, Migraine Disorders, Pelvic Pain, Endometriosis, Visceral Pain, Chronic Pain

The Influence of the Menstrual Cycle on Lithium and Sertraline Blood Levels
Description

The aim of this study is to determine whether blood levels of lithium or sertraline are affected by different phases of the menstrual cycle and whether there is an effect on psychiatric symptoms. Subjects are seen for two visits: one visit during the luteal phase and one visit during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle. On each visit, they will fill out a depression, anxiety and mania rating scale. Also at each visit a 20mL blood sample will be drawn to measure progesterone level and either a lithium or sertraline level, depending on which medication the patient takes. The primary hypothesis in this study is that blood levels of lithium and sertraline will be significantly lower in women during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle than during the follicular phase. Examination will also be made of whether symptoms will increase in severity during the luteal phase as compared to the follicular phase. The investigators expect a negative linear association between symptom severity and blood level, i.e. expect symptom severity to worsen as blood levels of lithium or sertraline decrease.

Conditions

Bipolar Affective Disorders, Cyclothymic Disorder, Schizoaffective Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, Dysthymic Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Panic Disorder, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder

The Role of GABA and Neurosteroids in Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
Description

The purpose of the study proposed is to investigate the role of neurosteroids and GABA in the pathophysiology and treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) by 1) measuring cortical gama-aminobutyric acid levels (GABA levels) using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) during the follicular and mid-luteal phases of the menstrual cycle pre and post treatment with the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) fluoxetine (Prozac®, Sarafem®), and 2) correlating cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma GABA and neurosteroid levels with cortical GABA levels at these same time points. Neurosteroids to be measured include allopregnanolone, pregnenolone, and pregnenolone sulfate. Findings from women with PMDD will be compared to those of healthy subjects.

Conditions

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, Premenstrual Syndrome