Research Studies at the Johns Hopkins Center for Reproductive Mental Health
We are also actively recruiting participants for ongoing research studies. The combination of research with clinical practice keeps our clinicians up to date with evidence-based and high-quality practices.
The BLOOM Study (Bridging Luteal Ovarian Hormones and Mood)
Allopregnanolone and Dynamic GABA-A Receptor Plasticity in Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) Responsive Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

The Johns Hopkins Reproductive Mental Health Center, at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, is seeking individuals with regular menstrual cycles to participate in a research study
on premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), or mood changes in the week before a menstrual period. This study will also be investigating the effects of anti-
depressants in managing PMS/PMDD.
We are looking both for women who DO experience premenstrual mood symptoms and women who do NOT experience premenstrual mood symptoms before their periods.
Participants will have 1 remote visit, including mood questionnaires, tracking your menstrual cycle, and providing blood samples. Following the remote visit, there will be 4-8 blood draws
over the span of 1-2 months.
To be eligible for the study, participants must:
- Be age 18-50
- Have a regular menstrual cycle
- Not be taking hormonal birth control
- Not using psychiatric medications
- Participants can receive between $240 - $380 in compensation for completion of the
study.
Study Location: Johns Hopkins Reproductive Mental Health Center 550 North Broadway, 21205, Baltimore, MD
Contact Information:
Research Assistant: Victoria Paone
Email: vpaone1@jhu.edu Contact Phone: (443)-354-1860
Liisa Hantsoo, Ph.D
Principal Investigator Protocol# IRB00445770
Click here to complete the online screening.

The DIBS Study: Diet, Inflammation, BMI, Stress
Dietary Fat Intake, Obesity, and Stress in Women with Premenstrual Mood Disorders: A Perfect Storm for Inflammation?
The Johns Hopkins Reproductive Mental Health Center, at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, is seeking individuals with regular menstrual cycles to participate in a research study
on premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), or mood changes and diet in the week before a menstrual period. This study will also be investigating the
relationship between diet, PMS/PMDD, and inflammation. We are looking both for women who DO experience premenstrual mood symptoms and women who do NOT experience premenstrual
mood symptoms before their periods. We are looking for women who have healthy BMIs (18.5-24.9) and overweight BMIs (greater than or equal to 25).
Participants will have 1 remote visit, including mood questionnaires, tracking your menstrual cycle, and providing saliva and stool samples. Following the remote visit, there will be an in-
person laboratory visit that will take around 3 hours to complete.
To be eligible for the study, participants must:
- Be age 18-50
- Have a regular menstrual cycle
- Not be taking hormonal birth control
- Not using psychiatric medications
- No history of endocrine disorders
- No regular tobacco use
- Participants can receive $100 in compensation for completion of the study.
Study Location: Johns Hopkins Reproductive Mental Health Center, 550 North Broadway St., Baltimore, MD 21205
Contact Information:
Research Assistant: Michelle Nazareth
Email: mnazare2@jhu.edu
Principal Investigator : Liisa Hantsoo, Ph.D (Protocol#: IRB00464411)
For more information and to complete the online screening.
Postpartum Depression Treatment Study (THIS STUDY IS NO LONGER RECRUITING)
Are you struggling with Postpartum Depression (PPD)?
If you’ve had a baby within the last 15 months and think you may be experiencing postpartum depression, you may be eligible to participate in a paid research study. This study is evaluating whether a single-dose investigational treatment can help reduce PPD symptoms.
To qualify:
- Symptoms must have begun between the second trimester of pregnancy or within four weeks after childbirth.
- Participants must not be breastfeeding or pumping milk.
- Must be between 18 and 45 years old.
Participants will be compensated for their time.
Study Location: Johns Hopkins Reproductive Mental Health Center, 550 N. Broadway St., Baltimore, MD, 21205
Contact Information:
Research Assistant: Victoria Paone, vpaone1@jhu.edu
Principal Investigator: Liisa Hantsoo, Ph.D
For more information and to complete the screening form, click here.
Protocol #: IRB00446058