---
title: What are PMS and PMDD, and how common are they? | Niyora
description: PMS affects 20-32% of women before menopause with moderate mood and physical symptoms. PMDD is more severe and affects 3-8% of women, causing significant prob
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/premenstrual-syndrome-and-premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder-2011/
---

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- What are PMS and PMDD, and how common are they?

Review, 2011

# What are PMS and PMDD, and how common are they?

PMS affects 20-32% of women before menopause with moderate mood and physical symptoms. PMDD is more severe and affects 3-8% of women, causing significant problems at work or socially.

 Strong study design

Premenopausal women with PMS and PMDD

## What they did

This is a review article that summarizes what is known about PMS and PMDD, including their definitions, how common they are, possible causes, and treatments.

## What they found

PMS affects 20-32% of premenopausal women. PMDD affects 3-8% and causes severe dysfunction in work and social life. Possible causes include sensitivity to normal hormone changes and serotonin abnormalities. Calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin B6 have limited evidence. Serotonin antidepressants are first-line therapy.

## What it means for you

PMDD is much rarer than PMS but much more disabling. Serotonin antidepressants are the most evidence-based treatment. The evidence for supplements is weak.

20-32%

premenopausal women with PMS

3-8%

premenopausal women with PMDD

## About the study

Original title Premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder Authors Biggs WS, Demuth RH Journal American family physician Year 2011 Study design Review What was tested Various treatments including vitamin supplements and antidepressants Read the paper [doi.org/10.1891/9780826159311.0143](https://doi.org/10.1891/9780826159311.0143)

## 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/)[Cognition, concentration and memory](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-cognition/)[SSRIs and antidepressants](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-ssri/)[Cognitive behavioral therapy](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-cbt/)[Calcium](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-calcium/)[Vitamin B6](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-vitamin-b6/)[Vitamin D](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-vitamin-d/)[Perimenopause and menopause](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-perimenopause/)

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

Review, 2016

How common are PMS and PMDD, and what are the best treatments?

Cohort study, 2010

How do anxiety disorders differ across different life stages?

Review, 2017

What causes PMDD and what are the best treatments?

Survey study, 2026

What are the causes, diagnosis, and treatments for PMS and PMDD?

Survey study, 2012

What non-hormonal medications and therapies help severe PMS and PMDD?

Review, 2019

What causes PMDD and which treatments actually help?

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