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Review, 2002

What causes PMS and what treatments work?

PMS is thought to involve hormones and brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. Two main treatments have emerged: stopping ovulation with hormones, or using antidepressants that increase serotonin.

Early or limited evidence Review of PMS research and treatment literature

What they did

Reviewed 70 years of research on the causes of PMS and treatment approaches.

What they found

Multiple treatment approaches have emerged. Hormonal treatments suppress ovulation. Antidepressants stimulate serotonin activity. Two components of PMS pathophysiology, genetic propensity and changing vulnerability, have not yet been addressed by treatments.

What it means for you

We have some treatments that work for PMS, but we do not fully understand what causes it. Genetic factors and how your vulnerability to PMS changes over time still need treatment approaches.

About the study

Original title
The pathophysiologic background for current treatments of premenstrual syndromes
Authors
Halbreich U
Journal
Current psychiatry reports
Year
2002
Study design
Review
What was tested
Not applicable - literature review

Topics