---
title: What causes PMS and how can doctors treat it? | Niyora
description: PMS develops when hormone changes interact with brain chemistry, especially involving serotonin. Medications that work on these systems have been shown to hel
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/pathophysiology-and-treatment-of-premenstrual-syndrome-1995/
---

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- What causes PMS and how can doctors treat it?

Study, 1995

# What causes PMS and how can doctors treat it?

PMS develops when hormone changes interact with brain chemistry, especially involving serotonin. Medications that work on these systems have been shown to help in rigorous studies.

 Moderate study design

Review of research on PMS

## What they did

This is a review of research on the causes and treatment of PMS.

## What they found

Evidence shows PMS results from an interaction between cyclic changes in estrogen and progesterone and brain chemical systems, particularly serotonin and GABA. Medications that disrupt the normal hormone cycle, like gonadotropin releasing hormone agonists or danazol, and medications that affect serotonin and GABA activity, like selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors and benzodiazepines, have been shown to work in rigorous studies.

## What it means for you

PMS has a biological basis involving hormones and brain chemistry. Several types of medications have good evidence for working. This is a summary of research, not a new study.

## About the study

Original title Pathophysiology and treatment of premenstrual syndrome Authors Joseph F. Mortola Journal Current Opinion in Endocrinology & Diabetes Year 1995 Study design Study Read the paper [doi.org/10.1097/00060793-199512000-00004](https://doi.org/10.1097/00060793-199512000-00004)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Menstrual cycle and mood](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-cycle-mood/)[GnRH agonists and ovarian suppression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-gnrh/)

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