---
title: What causes PMDD and how should it be treated? | Niyora
description: PMDD is an intense version of the normal mood and physical changes that happen before menstruation, involving genetics, brain chemistry and hormones. SSRI med
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/trastorno-disforico-premenstrual-2000/
---

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- What causes PMDD and how should it be treated?

Study, 2000

# What causes PMDD and how should it be treated?

PMDD is an intense version of the normal mood and physical changes that happen before menstruation, involving genetics, brain chemistry and hormones. SSRI medications are now used as a treatment.

 Early or limited evidence

Not applicable - this is a review article

## What they did

Researchers reviewed what premenstrual dysphoric disorder is, its causes, and how medical understanding of it has changed over time from ancient times through modern psychiatry.

## What they found

PMDD involves genetic, neurobiological and hormone-related factors. A brain chemical called serotonin plays an important role. SSRI medications have become a standard treatment. Throughout history, menstruation has been misunderstood and stigmatized in many cultures.

## What it means for you

Understanding that PMDD has biological causes helps move beyond outdated and stigmatizing beliefs about menstruation. More treatment options are now available. The limitation is that this is a review of existing knowledge rather than new research, so more studies are needed to fully understand all the causes.

## About the study

Original title Trastorno disfórico premenstrual Authors Andrea López-Mato, Gonzalo Illa, Oscar Boullosa et al. Journal Revista chilena de neuro-psiquiatría Year 2000 Study design Study Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.4067/s0717-92272000000300006](https://doi.org/10.4067/s0717-92272000000300006)

## Topics

[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[Endometriosis](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-endometriosis/)

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