---
title: What is PMS and what treatments work? | Niyora
description: PMS affects an estimated 75% of women during the luteal phase of their cycle. Diagnosis is based on symptom tracking, not blood tests. Calcium supplements and
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/an-overview-of-premenstrual-syndrome-2007/
---

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- What is PMS and what treatments work?

Review, 2007

# What is PMS and what treatments work?

PMS affects an estimated 75% of women during the luteal phase of their cycle. Diagnosis is based on symptom tracking, not blood tests. Calcium supplements and SSRIs are treatments with excellent evidence for reducing symptoms.

 Moderate study design

Review article applicable to women of childbearing age

## What they did

Review of scientific literature on PMS diagnosis, causes, and treatment options.

## What they found

PMS is a recurrent disorder occurring in the luteal phase, characterized by physical, psychological, and behavioral changes. No tests can confirm it; diagnosis requires daily symptom tracking. Symptoms remit with the onset of menstruation. The cause is likely abnormal responses to normal hormone fluctuations. Both non-drug and drug treatments exist. Calcium carbonate and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have demonstrated excellent efficacy.

## What it means for you

PMS is common and treatable. Women should track symptoms for an accurate diagnosis. While lifestyle changes are tried first, medications are available if needed. This is a review article summarizing existing evidence rather than new research.

75%

Estimated percentage of women affected by PMS

2

Treatments with excellent evidence (calcium, SSRIs)

## About the study

Original title [An overview of premenstrual syndrome] Authors Zaafrane F, Faleh R, Melki W et al. Journal Journal de gynecologie, obstetrique et biologie de la reproduction Year 2007 Study design Review What was tested Various treatments reviewed Read the paper [doi.org/10.1016/j.jgyn.2007.01.007](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jgyn.2007.01.007)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[SSRIs and antidepressants](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-ssri/)[Psychotherapy, counselling and education](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-psychotherapy/)[Calcium](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-calcium/)[Relationships and partners](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-relationships/)

Research tells you what helps on average. Niyora helps on the day it hits.

Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor.

## Related studies

Review, 2001

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Randomised trial, 2025

How effective are non-hormonal treatments for severe PMS?

Review, 2024

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Randomised trial, 2023

Does taking sertraline when PMDD symptoms start improve how well women function?

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