Systematic review, 2008
What treatments work best for PMS and PMDD?
Antidepressants called SSRIs are proven effective for severe PMDD and are the first medication to try. Lifestyle changes and exercise are recommended for all women with PMS or PMDD.
What they did
Systematic review of clinical trials, studies, and case reports from 1950 through March 2008. Searched medical databases for all studies on treating PMS and PMDD with drugs, hormones, psychological interventions, physical therapies, supplements, and surgery.
What they found
SSRIs (fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline) are FDA-approved and effective for PMDD. Stopping ovulation with hormonal therapy is an option when SSRIs don't work. Anti-anxiety drugs, spironolactone, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can help specific symptoms. Lifestyle modifications and exercise are first-line recommendations for all women with PMS and may be all that is needed for mild-to-moderate symptoms. Herbal and vitamin supplementation produce unclear or conflicting results.
What it means for you
If you have PMDD, SSRIs are the medication most proven to work. For all women with PMS, lifestyle and exercise should be tried first. Many other options exist but more research is needed. Talk to your healthcare provider about what fits your symptoms and medical history.
3
FDA-approved SSRIs (fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline)
About the study
- Original title
- Management strategies for premenstrual syndrome/premenstrual dysphoric disorder
- Authors
- Jarvis CI, Lynch AM, Morin AK
- Journal
- The Annals of pharmacotherapy
- Year
- 2008
- Study design
- Systematic review
- What was tested
- SSRIs, hormonal therapies, psychological interventions, supplements, lifestyle changes, exercise, surgery
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1345/aph.1k673
Topics
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