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Review, 2026

How should doctors recognize and treat PMS and PMDD in young people?

PMS and PMDD are common in adolescents and young adults worldwide and substantially damage emotional well-being and daily functioning. The review examined diagnostic tools, how common these conditions are, what causes them, and treatment options including both medicines and lifestyle approaches.

Early or limited evidence Adolescents and young adults with premenstrual disorders (literature review)

What they did

A review of current definitions, validated diagnostic tools, epidemiology, pathophysiology, and both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatment strategies for premenstrual disorders in young people.

What they found

PMS and PMDD are prevalent among adolescents and young adults worldwide. These conditions impair emotional well-being, daily functioning, and family life. The review examined validated diagnostic methods and treatment approaches ranging from medication to lifestyle interventions.

What it means for you

Healthcare providers need better strategies to recognize these conditions, educate patients and families, and reduce stigma. Main limitation: this is a review of existing evidence, not new research.

About the study

Original title
Premenstrual Disorders in Adolescents: An Updated Review
Authors
Rome ES, Kaznoch D, Issac VE
Journal
Journal of pediatric and adolescent gynecology
Year
2026
Study design
Review
What was tested
Pharmacologic treatments, non-pharmacologic treatments, patient and family education
Open access
Yes
Original abstract

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) are prevalent among adolescents and young adults worldwide and can substantially impair emotional well-being, daily functioning, and family life. This review summarizes current definitions of premenstrual disorders (PMDs); examines validated retrospective and prospective diagnostic tools; and reviews epidemiology, pathophysiology, and both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic management strategies. It also highlights clinical strategies to improve recognition, patient and family education, and advocacy to reduce stigma and advance care.

Reproduced under CC-BY.

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