Survey study, 2026

What are the causes, diagnosis, and treatments for PMS and PMDD?

This review consolidates what doctors know about PMS and PMDD. PMS affects 12-98% of reproductive-age women and PMDD affects 2-5%. Treatments range from lifestyle changes, therapy, and vitamins to medications like SSRIs and oral contraceptives.

Moderate study design Reproductive-age women with PMS or PMDD (literature review)

What they did

Reviewed and summarized current medical literature on the diagnosis, causes, risk factors, and both non-drug and drug treatments for PMS and PMDD in primary care settings.

What they found

PMS and PMDD are characterized by physical, behavioral, and psychological symptoms during the second half of the menstrual cycle. Non-drug treatments include lifestyle changes, cognitive behavioral therapy, dietary support, exercise, calcium, vitamin B6, herbal therapies, and acupuncture. Drug treatments include SSRIs, combined oral contraceptives, and GnRH analogues. Surgery is a last-resort option.

What it means for you

This summarizes what is already known rather than presenting new findings. It shows that many treatment options exist for both conditions, combining lifestyle approaches with medications depending on severity.

12-98%

PMS prevalence in women of reproductive age

2-5%

PMDD prevalence in women of reproductive age

About the study

Original title: Approach to Premenstrual Syndrome and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder from the Perspective of Family Medicine
Authors: Şeyma Ceylan, İsmail Arslan
Journal: Konuralp Tıp Dergisi
Year: 2026
Study design: Survey study
What was tested: N/A
Open access: Yes
Read the paper: doi.org/10.18521/ktd.1621926

Topics

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)Low mood and depression SSRIs and antidepressants Oral contraceptives and drospirenone GnRH agonists and ovarian suppression Cognitive behavioral therapy Calcium Vitamin B6 Other herbal medicine Acupuncture and acupressure Work and productivity

Review, 2015

What do we know about PMS and PMDD and how are they treated?

Review, 2016

How common are PMS and PMDD, and what are the best treatments?

Study, 2022

What are the symptoms, causes, and treatments of PMS and PMDD?

Systematic review, 2007

What treatments work for premenstrual syndrome?

Randomised trial, 2003

What treatments work for PMS and PMDD?

Review, 2023

Can herbs and supplements help with PMS symptoms?

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