---
title: How are PMS and perimenopause different, and how should they be treated?
description: The two conditions have different causes: perimenopause comes from falling estrogen, while PMS comes from progesterone after ovulation. Treatment is difficult
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/pms-in-the-perimenopause-2004/
---

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- How are PMS and perimenopause different, and how should they be treated?

Review, 2004

# How are PMS and perimenopause different, and how should they be treated?

The two conditions have different causes: perimenopause comes from falling estrogen, while PMS comes from progesterone after ovulation. Treatment is difficult because estrogen helps perimenopause but requires added progestogen, which can trigger PMS symptoms again.

 Moderate study design

Women in perimenopause with PMS

## What they did

Clinical review of the differences and similarities between PMS and perimenopause and discussion of treatment challenges when both occur together.

## What they found

Perimenopause arises from falling estrogen with irregular ovulation and is relieved by estrogen. Premenstrual syndrome results from ovulation and appears due to progesterone produced afterward. Estrogen treats both conditions but requires progestogen to prevent cancer risk, which can return PMS symptoms.

## What it means for you

Women with both PMS and perimenopause face a treatment puzzle. Doctors need to carefully choose medications that help both conditions without triggering one while treating the other.

## About the study

Original title PMS in the perimenopause Authors Hassan I, Ismail KM, O'Brien S Journal The journal of the British Menopause Society Year 2004 Study design Review What was tested None (review of treatment options) Read the paper [doi.org/10.1258/1362180042721111](https://doi.org/10.1258/1362180042721111)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Perimenopause and menopause](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-perimenopause/)

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