Survey study, 1989
What does research say about what causes PMS and what treatments work?
A review of PMS research found no definitive cause and no universally effective treatment. Lifestyle approaches like diet, exercise, and support help many women, while some medications like alprazolam and mefenamic acid help some, but progesterone therapy is ineffective.
What they did
A literature review assessing research on PMS diagnosis, causes, epidemiology, and treatment.
What they found
There is no proof that the premenstrual period causes increased violence, nor is an association with other psychiatric illness proven. Despite many theories no definitive cause has been established. Controlled studies have not found a universally effective treatment. Conservative measures with support, diet, and exercise help in most cases. Alprazolam and mefenamic acid may help some women. Rectal or vaginal progesterone therapy has been proven ineffective and should not be used.
What it means for you
After reviewing many studies, we still don't know what causes PMS or have a cure-all treatment. Basic lifestyle approaches work for most women. This is a review of existing research, not a new study.
About the study
- Original title
- Premenstrual syndrome: current knowledge and management
- Authors
- Robinson GE
- Journal
- CMAJ : Canadian Medical Association journal = journal de l'Association medicale canadienne
- Year
- 1989
- Study design
- Survey study
- What was tested
- None
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2645986/
Topics
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