---
title: What causes PMS and what can treat it? | Niyora
description: PMS appears to happen when cyclic changes in estrogen and progesterone interact with brain chemicals, particularly serotonin and GABA. Understanding this has
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/premenstrual-syndrome-1996-55cf97/
---

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- What causes PMS and what can treat it?

Study, 1996

# What causes PMS and what can treat it?

PMS appears to happen when cyclic changes in estrogen and progesterone interact with brain chemicals, particularly serotonin and GABA. Understanding this has led to treatments that work better than previous approaches.

 Strong study design

General research on PMS

## What they did

Reviewed scientific research on what causes PMS and how to treat it.

## What they found

PMS results from the interaction between cyclic hormone changes (estrogen and progesterone) and neurotransmitters in the brain. Serotonin and GABA appear to be especially important in this interaction. Understanding this has made it possible to develop treatments that have been proven effective in rigorous studies.

## What it means for you

Understanding that PMS involves specific brain chemicals and hormones has changed treatment. Doctors can now use targeted approaches addressing serotonin and GABA rather than general remedies.

## About the study

Original title Premenstrual syndrome Authors Mortola JF Journal Trends in endocrinology and metabolism: TEM Year 1996 Study design Study What was tested Understanding of biological basis of PMS and targeted treatments based on serotonin and GABA Read the paper [doi.org/10.1016/1043-2760(96)00060-4](https://doi.org/10.1016/1043-2760(96)00060-4)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)

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