Survey study, 2012
What non-hormonal medications and therapies help severe PMS and PMDD?
SSRIs (a type of antidepressant) are well-established for severe PMS and PMDD, taken either continuously or during the luteal phase. Cognitive-behaviour therapy, calcium, and chasteberry may also help, though the strength of evidence varies.
What they did
Literature review summarizing existing evidence on non-hormonal treatments for premenstrual disorders, including medication types, dosing schedules, and effectiveness.
What they found
SSRIs have well-established efficacy for severe PMS and PMDD with continuous dosing or luteal-phase dosing (from ovulation to menses). Intermittent dosing may be less effective, particularly for physical symptoms. Symptom-onset dosing needs further study. Anxiolytics, calcium, chasteberry, and cognitive-behaviour therapy may also have a role.
What it means for you
For severe PMS or PMDD, SSRIs are the most proven non-hormonal option, but dosing schedule matters: continuous or luteal-phase dosing may work better than waiting for symptoms to start. This literature review reflects existing evidence, not a new study.
About the study
- Original title
- Psychotropic medications and other non-hormonal treatments for premenstrual disorders
- Authors
- Pearlstein T
- Journal
- Menopause international
- Year
- 2012
- Study design
- Survey study
- What was tested
- SSRIs, anxiolytics, calcium, chasteberry, and cognitive-behaviour therapy
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1258/mi.2012.012010
Topics
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