--- title: What causes PMS and PMDD and how are they treated? | Niyora description: PMS and PMDD happen when hormone changes interact with brain chemicals during the menstrual cycle. Treatments include birth control pills, progesterone, SSRIs url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/premenstrual-syndrome-and-premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder-overview-on-2024/ --- - [Niyora](https://niyora.com/) - [Research](https://niyora.com/research/) - [Library](https://niyora.com/research/library/) - What causes PMS and PMDD and how are they treated? Randomised trial, 2024 # What causes PMS and PMDD and how are they treated? PMS and PMDD happen when hormone changes interact with brain chemicals during the menstrual cycle. Treatments include birth control pills, progesterone, SSRIs (a type of antidepressant), and hormone injections for severe cases, though some treatments still need proof from rigorous trials. Moderate study design Women of reproductive age (literature review, not a specific study population) ## What they did This literature review examined research on causes and treatments of PMS and PMDD to help doctors understand and manage these conditions better. ## What they found Between 3-8% of women have PMS and 2% have PMDD. Both involve genetic factors and an imbalance of estrogen and progesterone with changes in brain chemicals. Treatment options include progesterone, birth control pills, SSRIs, and GnRH agonists for severe cases. ## What it means for you This summarizes what doctors currently know about PMS and PMDD, including how to recognize serious mood symptoms that resemble depression. The main limitation is that some treatments like progesterone lack proof from randomized controlled trials. 3-8% Women with PMS 2% Women with PMDD ## About the study Original title [Premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder-Overview on pathophysiology, diagnostics and treatment] Authors Haußmann J, Goeckenjan M, Haußmann R et al. Journal Der Nervenarzt Year 2024 Study design Randomised trial What was tested N/A - this is a literature review article Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.1007/s00115-024-01625-5](https://doi.org/10.1007/s00115-024-01625-5) Original abstract Premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder become episodically manifest during the second half of the female menstrual cycle and are characterized by psychological and physical symptoms causing relevant functional and social impairments. Mood swings, depression and dysphoria are associated depressive symptoms. Therefore, affective disorders should be considered as a differential diagnosis. Of women in reproductive age 3-8% suffer from premenstrual syndrome and 2% of women are affected by premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Genetic and sociobiographical risk factors are discussed. Furthermore, genetic polymorphisms of specific hormone receptors are considered to be genetic risk factors. From a pathophysiological perspective premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder are caused by a complex interaction between cyclic changes of ovarian steroids and central neurotransmitters. An imbalance of estrogen and progesterone in the luteal phase is believed to cause the symptoms. Therefore, the first treatment approach consists of regulation of the menstrual cycle or luteal support with progesterone or synthetic progestins even if their effectiveness has not yet been proven in randomized controlled studies and meta-analyses. The administration of combined oral contraceptives is also an option. Especially treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) represent an evidence-based approach. In severe cases the administration of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists with add back treatment can also be considered. In the field of affective disorders premenstrual syndromes represent clinically relevant differential diagnoses and comorbidities, which confront the treating physician with particular clinical challenges. Therefore, this literature review gives the readership a clinical orientation for dealing with these disorders. Reproduced under CC-BY. ## 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/)[Oral contraceptives and drospirenone](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-hormonal-contraceptives/)[GnRH agonists and ovarian suppression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-gnrh/) 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 Systematic review, 2024 What are the best treatments for PMDD and PMS? Guideline, 2023 How are GnRH agonists used to treat PMDD that doesn't respond to standard medications? Systematic review, 2022 What are the best treatments for PMDD and PMS? Review, 2018 What are the most effective treatments for premenstrual syndrome and PMDD? Review, 2015 What do we know about PMS and PMDD and how are they treated? Review, 2008 What medications are FDA-approved for treating PMDD? Ask AI about this page Copy prompt ChatGPT ↗ Claude ↗ Perplexity ↗ Google AI Mode ↗ Grok ↗