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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

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