--- title: What medications work for PMDD when taken only during the second half of the menstrual cycle? description: SSRIs including sertraline, fluoxetine, and paroxetine are the most proven treatment for PMDD when taken during the luteal phase. Symptom reduction is similar url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/luteal-phase-administration-of-agents-for-the-treatment-of-premenstrual-2004/ --- - [Niyora](https://niyora.com/) - [Research](https://niyora.com/research/) - [Library](https://niyora.com/research/library/) - What medications work for PMDD when taken only during the second half of the menstrual cycle? Randomised trial, 2004 # What medications work for PMDD when taken only during the second half of the menstrual cycle? SSRIs including sertraline, fluoxetine, and paroxetine are the most proven treatment for PMDD when taken during the luteal phase. Symptom reduction is similar to taking them continuously, but with less medication exposure and lower costs. Strong study design Review of randomized clinical trials for PMDD (multiple populations) ## What they did Review of randomized clinical trials examining medications given only during the luteal phase, which typically lasts the last 2 weeks of the menstrual cycle, for treating PMDD. ## What they found Sertraline, fluoxetine, and paroxetine extended-release are FDA-approved for luteal phase administration for PMDD. Symptom reduction was similar with luteal phase versus continuous dosing, with good tolerance and no reported discontinuation symptoms. Progesterone has consistently failed to show efficacy in large randomized placebo-controlled trials. Buspirone and alprazolam showed only modest efficacy. Tryptophan showed significantly greater symptom reduction than placebo but has safety concerns limiting availability. ## What it means for you SSRIs are first-line medication for PMDD and work well when taken only during the luteal phase, reducing medication exposure and treatment costs. Progesterone, despite common use, does not work for PMDD. This review of clinical trial evidence provides clear guidance on proven treatments, though it is not new research. 2 weeks typical duration of luteal phase dosing ## About the study Original title Luteal phase administration of agents for the treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder Authors Freeman EW Journal CNS drugs Year 2004 Study design Randomised trial What was tested SSRIs (sertraline, fluoxetine, paroxetine), buspirone, alprazolam, tryptophan, and progesterone given during luteal phase Read the paper [doi.org/10.2165/00023210-200418070-00004](https://doi.org/10.2165/00023210-200418070-00004) ## Topics [Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[SSRIs and antidepressants](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-ssri/)[Anxiolytics and other psychotropics](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-anxiolytics/)[Major depressive disorder](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-major-depression/) 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, 1997 Which antidepressants are most effective for premenstrual dysphoric disorder? Survey study, 2001 How common is premenstrual dysphoric disorder and how is it related to other psychiatric conditions? Survey study, 1997 How are anxiety symptoms and anxiety disorders linked to PMDD? Review, 2024 What are the most effective treatments for PMDD? Review, 2015 What treatments work best for PMDD and PMS? Randomised trial, 2004 Does dosing sertraline continuously or just before the period work better for severe PMS? Ask AI about this page Copy prompt ChatGPT ↗ Claude ↗ Perplexity ↗ Google AI Mode ↗ Grok ↗