Skip to content

Review, 1995

What is premenstrual syndrome and how is it diagnosed and managed?

Premenstrual syndrome is a real illness with physical, mental, and behavioral symptoms that occur cyclically and need treatment. Diagnosis uses symptom history, exams, and daily ratings to confirm patterns.

Early or limited evidence Women with premenstrual syndrome

What they did

Literature review describing what PMS is, how to diagnose it, and how to manage it.

What they found

PMS consists of cyclic recurrence of physical, mental, and behavioral symptoms in the late luteal phase of the cycle. The cause is unknown, the course is uncertain and variable, and family history patterns are unidentified. Diagnosis requires reliable history, physical and mental examination, lab tests to exclude other causes, and daily prospective symptom ratings.

What it means for you

PMS is a legitimate condition that needs individualized treatment based on which symptoms a woman has. The main limitation is that the cause and genetics remain unknown, limiting development of targeted treatments.

About the study

Original title
Premenstrual syndrome. Identification and management
Authors
Severino SK, Moline ML
Journal
Drugs
Year
1995
Study design
Review
What was tested
Symptom management

Topics