---
title: What are the best treatments for PMDD and PMS? | Niyora
description: SSRIs (antidepressants) and combined oral contraceptives (birth control pills) have the strongest evidence. For difficult cases, GnRH agonists and surgery wor
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/management-of-premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder-a-scoping-review-2022/
---

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- What are the best treatments for PMDD and PMS?

Systematic review, 2022

# What are the best treatments for PMDD and PMS?

SSRIs (antidepressants) and combined oral contraceptives (birth control pills) have the strongest evidence. For difficult cases, GnRH agonists and surgery work. Some alternatives like acupuncture and yoga show promise but need better quality research.

 Strong study design

Adult women with premenstrual syndrome or premenstrual dysphoric disorder

## What they did

Scoping review of 194 studies from 20 years of research on PMS and PMDD treatment. Searched PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, and Web of Science. Reviewed studies on medications, alternative treatments, and surgery.

## What they found

SSRIs and combined oral contraceptives have the highest quality evidence. GnRH agonists and surgery are effective for refractory (difficult-to-treat) cases. Some evidence exists for nutraceuticals, acupuncture, and yoga, but study quality and methods vary considerably.

## What it means for you

SSRIs and hormonal birth control pills are the most proven treatments for PMS and PMDD. Alternative treatments may help but need higher quality research. Main limitation: the 194 included studies vary significantly in quality.

194

Studies reviewed

20

Years of research covered

## About the study

Original title Management of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder: A Scoping Review Authors Carlini SV, Lanza di Scalea T, McNally ST et al. Journal International journal of women's health Year 2022 Study design Systematic review What was tested SSRIs, combined oral contraceptives, GnRH agonists, surgery, acupuncture, yoga, nutraceuticals Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.2147/ijwh.s297062](https://doi.org/10.2147/ijwh.s297062)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[Menstrual cycle and mood](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-cycle-mood/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[SSRIs and antidepressants](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-ssri/)[Oral contraceptives and drospirenone](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-hormonal-contraceptives/)[GnRH agonists and ovarian suppression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-gnrh/)[Acupuncture and acupressure](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-acupuncture/)

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.

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