---
title: What causes PMDD and what are effective treatments? | Niyora
description: PMDD affects 3 to 8 percent of women. It is caused by fluctuations in hormones and brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. Treatments include hormone therap
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder-a-critical-review-of-its-phenomenology-etiology-2017/
---

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- What causes PMDD and what are effective treatments?

Interview study, 2017

# What causes PMDD and what are effective treatments?

PMDD affects 3 to 8 percent of women. It is caused by fluctuations in hormones and brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. Treatments include hormone therapy, antidepressants, and psychotherapy.

 Moderate study design

General female population (literature review)

## What they did

Literature review examining the biological, genetic, and psychological causes of PMDD and available treatment options.

## What they found

PMDD has an estimated prevalence of 3 to 8 percent in the general female population. It involves fluctuations in sex hormones, serotonin and GABA neurotransmitters, and personality traits related to stress. Available treatments include hormonal therapies, antidepressant medications, and psychotherapeutic interventions.

## What it means for you

PMDD is a recognized medical condition affecting millions of women and significantly impairing their daily functioning. Multiple treatment options exist. More research is needed to identify biological markers and test non-drug treatments.

3-8%

prevalence in women

## About the study

Original title Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder: A Critical Review of Its Phenomenology, Etiology, Treatment and Clinical Status Authors Foteini Alevizou, Eleni Vousoura, Angeliki A. Leonardou Journal Current Women s Health Reviews Year 2017 Study design Interview study What was tested None Read the paper [doi.org/10.2174/1573404813666171027141849](https://doi.org/10.2174/1573404813666171027141849)

## 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/)[Psychotherapy, counselling and education](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-psychotherapy/)

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.

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