---
title: What causes premenstrual syndrome and what is the best treatment?
description: PMS is triggered by progesterone changes after ovulation, though the exact cause is not fully understood. Antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/premenstrual-syndrome-management-and-pathophysiology-2015/
---

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- What causes premenstrual syndrome and what is the best treatment?

Review, 2015

# What causes premenstrual syndrome and what is the best treatment?

PMS is triggered by progesterone changes after ovulation, though the exact cause is not fully understood. Antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are the most effective and recommended first-line treatment.

 Early or limited evidence

This is a review of research, not a study of specific women.

## What they did

This is a review of research on PMS causes and treatments. The authors examined studies on the hormonal triggers of PMS and how different treatments work.

## What they found

PMS is triggered by hormonal events after ovulation, but symptoms don't match specific hormone levels. Suppressing ovulation with hormone injections, high-dose hormone patches, or surgery can prevent PMS, but these are not practical for regular use. Antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are well-established, highly effective, and are the first-line pharmacologic treatment.

## What it means for you

We don't fully understand what causes PMS at the hormone level, but we have effective treatments. For most women, antidepressants are the most practical and recommended treatment, not hormone suppression or surgery.

## About the study

Original title Premenstrual syndrome: management and pathophysiology Authors Imai A, Ichigo S, Matsunami K et al. Journal Clinical and experimental obstetrics & gynecology Year 2015 Study design Review What was tested Various PMS treatments Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.12891/ceog1770.2015](https://doi.org/10.12891/ceog1770.2015)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[SSRIs and antidepressants](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-ssri/)[GnRH agonists and ovarian suppression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-gnrh/)[Neurosteroids (allopregnanolone)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-neurosteroids/)[Surgical menopause](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-surgery/)

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