Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) affects approximately 5% of menstruating women according to Metabolon. Symptoms of the disorder include marked depression, anxiety, tension, irritability and moodiness. Considered a mood disorder, women affected by PMDD have a significantly reduced quality of life. While triggered by reproductive hormones, the cause of PMDD is unknown, and current treatment options range from nutritional supplements to prescription medicine.
Metabolon scientists will compare samples from women with PMDD to samples from healthy women under controlled hormonal conditions. Metabolon will analyze the data to identify biomarkers that indicate a metabolic difference between the two groups. Results from this study could potentially lead to more effective treatments for the disorder.
“PMDD afflicts a significant portion of the female population, yet little is known about it, and it has no definitive cure other than menopause,” said Reid Tripp, vice president, business development of Metabolon.
Mr Tripp continued: “Metabolon’s technology will identify biomarkers that can be used to develop new treatments for the disorder itself, not just the symptoms. This study reinforces the diversity and depth of metabolomics applications – Metabolon continues to be sought out by government, academia and industry to find biomarkers that may impact the way various disorders are treated in the future.”