---
title: What treatments work best for PMS and PMDD? | Niyora
description: Ovulation suppression and SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants) are the two most effective treatments. SSRIs work particularly well f
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/pharmacotherapy-of-premenstrual-syndromes-and-premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder-2002/
---

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- What treatments work best for PMS and PMDD?

Review, 2002

# What treatments work best for PMS and PMDD?

Ovulation suppression and SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants) are the two most effective treatments. SSRIs work particularly well for PMDD and can be taken only during the luteal phase of the cycle.

 Strong study design

Women of reproductive age with PMS or PMDD

## What they did

Review of published literature on treatments for PMS and PMDD, focusing on treatments based on understanding of the conditions' causes (ovulation-related hormonal changes and serotonin abnormalities).

## What they found

Treatment is necessary in approximately 2-10% of women with PMS and PMDD. Ovulation suppression is effective for a wide range of PMS symptoms. SSRIs are effective for PMDD and have some efficacy for physical symptoms. SSRIs work well when used intermittently, only during the luteal phase.

## What it means for you

Two proven effective treatments exist: one targets hormones, the other targets serotonin. SSRIs are particularly practical because they can be taken just during the luteal phase rather than daily. This is a review of existing literature, not new research.

2-10%

of women with PMS and PMDD needing treatment

## About the study

Original title Pharmacotherapy of premenstrual syndromes and premenstrual dysphoric disorder: current practices Authors Mitwally MF, Kahn LS, Halbreich U Journal Expert opinion on pharmacotherapy Year 2002 Study design Review What was tested Ovulation suppression, SSRI antidepressants Read the paper [doi.org/10.1517/14656566.3.11.1577](https://doi.org/10.1517/14656566.3.11.1577)

## 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/)[GnRH agonists and ovarian suppression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-gnrh/)[Anxiolytics and other psychotropics](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-anxiolytics/)[Diuretics and other drugs](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-diuretics-other-drugs/)[Surgical menopause](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-surgery/)[Schizophrenia and psychosis](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-psychosis/)

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

Randomised trial, 2006

Do different types of PMS symptoms respond better to different medicines?

Non-randomised trial, 2014

Does hormone therapy help women with depression linked to periods and menopause?

Review, 1991

What treatments are available for late luteal phase dysphoric disorder?

Review, 2018

What are the most effective treatments for premenstrual syndrome and PMDD?

Systematic review, 2007

What treatments work for premenstrual syndrome?

Review, 2004

What is PMDD and how is it treated?

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