---
title: Psychotherapy, counselling and education: 376 studies, explained | Niy
description: 376 studies on psychotherapy, counselling and education and PMS or PMDD, each summarised in plain English: what was tested, who took part, what they found and
url: https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-psychotherapy/
---

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- Psychotherapy, counselling and education

# Psychotherapy, counselling and education: what the research says

376 studies on psychotherapy, counselling and education in PMS and PMDD, each explained in plain English. 15 of them use the strongest designs: randomised trials and systematic reviews.

Survey study 161

Randomised trial 50

Non-randomised trial 43

Study 38

Review 29

Interview study 21

Systematic review, 2026

Do mindfulness and relaxation techniques help with PMS symptoms?

Yes. These techniques reduced physical symptoms like pain and fatigue, and emotional symptoms like anxiety and depression. However, the evidence is still limited.

Randomised trial, 2025

Does mood, well-being, and sexual function change across the menstrual cycle?

No, there were no meaningful changes in sexual function, mood, or well-being across menstrual cycle phases in healthy young women. Being in a stable relationship predicted better sexual function overall, but cycle phase did not.

Randomised trial, 2025

How effective are non-hormonal treatments for severe PMS?

All three tested treatments significantly reduced PMS symptoms more than placebo. Calcium-vitamin D was most effective, followed by cognitive behavioral therapy and lifestyle changes.

Systematic review, 2025

Does alcohol use affect menstrual health in teenage girls?

Yes. Alcohol use is linked to irregular periods, PMS, period pain, and early or unintended pregnancy in teenage girls, though more research is needed to prove alcohol directly causes these problems.

Systematic review, 2025

Does teaching adolescent girls about their menstrual cycle and health help reduce period pain and PMS?

Yes. A systematic review of five good-quality studies shows that psychoeducation (structured teaching) significantly reduced period pain and PMS symptoms and improved emotional wellbeing in adolescent girls.

Review, 2024

What are the most effective treatments for PMDD?

According to this literature review, SSRIs (antidepressants) and cognitive-behavioral therapy are the most commonly recommended first-line treatments. Birth control pills with drospirenone are also effective.

Review, 2023

What treatments help mental and physical health problems linked to the menstrual cycle?

Multiple treatment approaches work including medicines, psychotherapy, and hormonal therapy. An interdisciplinary team approach combining different specialties works best.

Guideline, 2023

What treatments work for PMS and PMDD?

Many treatments work including medications, therapy, exercise, and supplements. The best choice depends on your symptoms and what you prefer.

Systematic review, 2021

Can cognitive behavioral therapy treat PMS without medication?

Yes, according to this review. All 32 studies found that cognitive behavioral therapy and other non-medication approaches significantly reduced or completely stopped PMS symptoms with no side effects reported.

Systematic review, 2019

Does psychotherapy reduce depression and anxiety in women with PMS?

A review of 7 trials found a large decrease in depression levels (standardized mean difference -0.978), but the abstract is incomplete so we cannot know if this was statistically significant or what the full conclusions were.

Systematic review, 2012

How effective are cognitive-behavioral therapy and antidepressants for PMS and PMDD?

Both cognitive-behavioral therapy and serotonergic antidepressants showed small to medium effects, but researchers concluded efficacy was not satisfactory and recommend combining both approaches for better results.

Randomised trial, 2011

Does phone support reduce stress during IVF waiting?

No, the stress scale showed no difference, but women perceived the support as helpful and wanted more.

Review, 2001

What causes PMS and PMDD, and how are they treated?

PMS is caused by abnormal responses to normal hormone changes during the menstrual cycle. Treatment includes lifestyle changes like diet and exercise, and medications. SSRIs are the first-line treatment for PMDD, and calcium supplements may help.

Study, 1997

What medications work best for treating PMS?

SSRIs like fluoxetine and benzodiazepines like alprazolam have clear benefits for PMS. GnRH agonists also work well but cause too many side effects for routine use, and other drugs can treat specific symptoms like headaches or fluid retention.

Review, 1992

Is PMS really caused by hormones?

The evidence that PMS is caused by hormones is unclear. Psychological and individualized treatments may work better than hormone treatments for PMS.

Systematic review, 2026

What types of talking therapy have been studied for PMS and PMDD?

Several cognitive behavioral therapies have been studied for PMS and PMDD, including CBT, mindfulness therapy, and acceptance therapy. The evidence is scattered and hasn't been systematically compared yet, so we don't know which approach works best.

Study, 2026

How often do people have both PMDD and bipolar disorder together, and how do they affect each other?

PMDD and bipolar disorder frequently occur together, making mood episodes more frequent and severe. The connection appears to involve hormonal changes in estrogen and progesterone, though how well treatments work remains unclear.

Non-randomised trial, 2026

Do dietary changes or sun exposure reduce PMS symptoms in adolescent girls?

Yes. Both dietary intervention and sun exposure significantly reduced PMS symptoms compared to health education alone. Sun exposure was slightly more effective, with 52.3% of girls showing clinical improvement compared to 46.5% in the diet group.

Systematic review, 2026

Do digital tools and apps help reduce PMS and PMDD symptoms?

Yes, several digital programs help reduce symptoms, especially internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy and app-based mindfulness. Therapist-guided internet CBT for PMDD showed benefits lasting up to 6 months. Tracking apps helped with symptom awareness and engagement.

Randomised trial, 2026

Does education about PMS symptoms help reduce pain and stress?

Yes. Women who received education about PMS symptoms had lower pain and stress levels than the control group, especially if their symptoms were more severe to begin with.

Cohort study, 2026

Does pharmacist-led education reduce PMS symptoms and pain?

Yes. Women who received personalized guidance and educational materials from pharmacists showed significant reduction in pain intensity (from 6.86 to 3.26) and improved quality of life over 6 months.

Survey study, 2026

What helps teenagers cope better with PMS?

Social support and regular menstrual cycles are the strongest factors that help teenagers manage PMS. Teenagers who feel supported by others tend to use healthier coping strategies.

Survey study, 2026

Does fear of childbirth explain why women with PMS are more likely to develop postpartum depression?

Yes, partially. Fear of childbirth accounts for 31.03% of the effect of PMS on postpartum depression in first-time mothers, and 43.62% in experienced mothers. This suggests PMS creates ongoing emotional vulnerability through pregnancy and after birth.

Study, 2026

What coping strategies help women manage PMS symptoms?

Many strategies help manage PMS: psychological and behavioral changes, lifestyle modifications, and complementary methods like yoga and meditation. Programs combining counseling, education, and lifestyle changes work best and have few side effects.

Study, 2026

Do anxiety and depression get worse before your period if you already have a mental health condition?

Yes. If you have depression, bipolar disorder, or other mental health conditions, symptoms often worsen before your period due to hormone changes. This can affect how well treatments work.

Survey study, 2026

Is academic stress linked to PMS severity in university students?

Yes, clearly. Higher stress levels were linked to worse PMS symptoms.

Survey study, 2026

How does the way women cope with PMS symptoms affect their relationships?

Women with probable PMDD had lower relationship satisfaction than women with milder forms. Coping strategies involving self-care, communication, and avoiding harm were linked to better relationship satisfaction and more social support.

Interview study, 2026

Does the menstrual cycle affect how well therapy works?

Yes. Women reported lower satisfaction with therapy and worse symptoms during the premenstrual and perimenstrual phases, but talking about their menstrual cycle in therapy helped.

Case-control study, 2026

Are women with PMS history more likely to experience side-effects from birth control pills?

Women with a history of PMS were 2.5 times more likely to stop the birth control pill due to side-effects, and those with anxiety or mood disorders were also at higher risk. Mood disorders were the most common reported side-effect.

Survey study, 2026

How common is PMDD among female medical students and what triggers it?

11% screened positive for PMDD and 42.5% had moderate-to-severe PMS. Main triggers were stress, poor health, poor nutrition, and exams, though most managed symptoms without seeing a doctor.

Survey study, 2026

What factors most strongly drive PMS severity in female engineering students?

Stress, poor sleep quality, and academic burnout are the strongest drivers of PMS, together explaining 74% of symptom severity. Exercise and diet also matter but are less influential.

Survey study, 2026

How common are severe PMS and PMDD in young women, and what are the risk factors?

About 26% had moderate to severe PMS and 7.3% had PMDD. Risk factors included not exercising, living in rural areas, starting periods early, and not getting enough sleep.

Survey study, 2026

What factors are linked with period pain in teenage girls in Ethiopia?

Period pain affects about 7 in 10 teenage girls in this Ethiopian town. It is significantly linked with family history of period pain, having premenstrual syndrome, sleeping 6 hours or less per night, heavy menstrual periods, skipping breakfast, and female genital mutilation.

Survey study, 2026

Do female medical students living in hostels have worse PMS than those who commute?

Yes. Students living in hostels had significantly worse PMS symptoms overall, especially anxiety, mood swings, social withdrawal, cramps, and back pain.

Non-randomised trial, 2026

Does a lifestyle education program reduce PMS symptoms?

Yes. An education program on diet, exercise, and relaxation significantly reduced PMS severity and improved depression. Effects on anxiety and stress were not significant.

Randomised trial, 2026

Can nutrition education reduce PMS severity?

One hour of nutrition education plus follow-up support significantly reduced PMS severity and improved diet quality in women with PMS. The approach is practical and low-cost.

Case-control study, 2026

Is PMS linked to poor quality of life in female medical students and doctors?

Yes. Women with PMS had significantly higher odds of poor quality of life compared to those without PMS, even after accounting for age, weight, marital status, and work experience.

Survey study, 2025

Do women with PMS have higher anxiety, stress, and different personality traits?

Yes. Women with PMS had significantly higher anxiety sensitivity and stress levels, higher neuroticism and psychoticism traits, and slightly lower extraversion than women without PMS.

Survey study, 2025

Is a negative attitude toward menstruation linked to worse PMS symptoms?

Yes. Girls with a negative attitude toward menstruation were 31% more likely to report severe PMS than those with positive attitudes. Culture, family structure, religion, and maternal education also affect both attitudes and PMS severity.

Randomised trial, 2025

Do coping skills training or acupressure better reduce premenstrual stress?

Both coping skills training and acupressure significantly reduced premenstrual stress compared to no treatment. The two treatments were equally effective, so either could be used based on preference.

Survey study, 2025

Does hormonal contraception affect PMDD?

Yes, hormonal contraception can affect PMDD, but the effects vary by person and medication. We can't be certain which contraception works best for each woman because more research is needed.

Survey study, 2025

Can a chatbot help monitor PMS symptoms over time?

Yes. A Telegram chatbot successfully tracked PMS symptoms across multiple menstrual cycles. Some women with PMS also met the criteria for fibromyalgia.

Randomised trial, 2025

Does aerobic exercise with lifestyle changes reduce PMS symptoms in college students?

Yes, aerobic exercise combined with lifestyle changes significantly reduced PMS severity and improved quality of life compared to lifestyle counselling alone.

Study, 2025

Can group therapy help adolescent girls with PMS manage emotions and reduce binge eating?

Yes. Adolescent girls who received group supportive psychotherapy showed significant improvement in anger control, mood, anxiety, and positive emotions, and a significant reduction in binge eating compared to girls who did not receive treatment.

Randomised trial, 2025

Does web-based health education help women with university-age PMS?

Yes, web-based health education significantly reduced PMS symptoms and improved quality of life, with improvements lasting through at least two more menstrual cycles.

Review, 2025

Does hormonal birth control affect mood and depression?

Some types of hormonal birth control increase depression risk for some women, while others may actually decrease it. Age when you start and your mental health history are important factors in whether birth control will affect your mood.

Survey study, 2025

How much do women in Shimla know about PMS and how does it affect their lives?

Many women (71%) say lifestyle changes help manage PMS, and most recognize common symptoms. However, only 45.8% feel comfortable discussing PMS at school or work, showing that stigma limits open conversation.

Cohort study, 2025

Do pain sensitivity and negative thinking explain how trauma and stress cause PMS or PMDD?

Yes. Both heightened pain sensitivity and negative thinking patterns mediate the connection between past trauma or stress and premenstrual disorder symptoms.

Survey study, 2025

How common is PMDD among female medical students in Vietnam?

PMDD affects 4.2% of female medical students at this university. The study also found that menstrual cycle length, regularity, electronics use, and alcohol drinking are linked to PMDD.

Case report, 2025

Does an online peer support community help women with PMDD?

Yes, probably. Women who joined r/PMDD showed a clear decrease in linking PMDD to depression and anxiety. The community seems to help them understand PMDD separately. However, this is based on analyzing discussions, not a controlled study, so we cannot be certain it caused these changes.

Survey study, 2025

Is PMS worse in girls living through violence and insecurity?

Yes. Adolescent girls exposed to political violence, living with insecurity, and experiencing depression-like symptoms were more likely to have severe PMS. Girls exposed to multiple types of violence had especially high rates of severe PMS.

Survey study, 2025

How common and severe is PMS in older women in rural India, and what causes it?

Very common - 90% of women have PMS, with 62.2% having moderate to severe cases. Fatigue, physical symptoms, and trouble concentrating are most common. PMS often affects work and family relationships.

Survey study, 2025

How does sexual desire change during the menstrual cycle?

Sexual desire typically increases around ovulation when estrogen is highest, but stress, sleep, relationship quality, and PMS or PMDD can weaken this biological pattern.

Systematic review, 2025

Do different types of psychotherapy (talking therapy) help with premenstrual symptoms?

Yes, cognitive behavioral therapy and other talking therapies help reduce premenstrual symptoms, though most research focuses on cognitive behavioral therapy.

Randomised trial, 2025

Can coping skills training reduce premenstrual stress?

Yes. Women who received coping skills training had significantly greater reductions in premenstrual stress compared to women with no training. They also improved their coping strategies.

Randomised trial, 2025

Does cognitive-behavioral hypnotherapy reduce period pain and PMS symptoms?

Yes. Hypnotherapy significantly reduced period pain, PMS symptoms, and improved women's emotional regulation.

Randomised trial, 2025

Does group counseling based on positive psychology help students with premenstrual syndrome?

Yes, women who received positive psychology counseling significantly improved their psychological resilience and coping ability immediately and 2 months after treatment (p=0.001).

Interview study, 2025

How does the menstrual cycle affect women's experience of therapy?

Women reported less satisfaction with therapy during their premenstrual and perimenstrual phases compared to other phases of their cycle. When therapists discussed the menstrual cycle openly, women felt their treatment worked better.

Survey study, 2025

Do back stretching exercises reduce PMS symptoms?

Yes, significantly. After 2 weeks of stretching exercises twice daily, 63.3% of the exercise group had only mild PMS, compared to 6.6% of girls who received only health education.

Survey study, 2024

Does diet affect menstrual disorders including PMS?

Yes, poor diet and low physical activity are linked to menstrual disorders including PMS. Women following a Mediterranean diet and exercising regularly had better menstrual health.

Randomised trial, 2024

Can stress inoculation training reduce anxiety, depression, and stress in students with PMS?

Yes. Computer-based stress inoculation training significantly reduced PMS severity, anxiety, depression, and perceived stress in university students.

Survey study, 2024

Does learning mindfulness meditation help women with PMS feel happier?

Yes, women with PMS who learned mindfulness meditation felt significantly happier immediately after the program and one month later (P=0.0001). This suggests mindfulness could be a helpful tool.

Survey study, 2024

What features do people want in apps for menstrual mental health, and what drives app use?

People want free or low-cost symptom tracking and education in apps, driven mainly by reminders and perceived barriers. This is moderate-strength evidence from 530 UK participants.

Randomised trial, 2024

Can group counseling focused on positive psychology reduce PMS symptoms?

Yes. Women who attended six online counseling sessions focusing on positive psychology had significantly lower PMS symptoms immediately and two months later compared to a control group.

Survey study, 2024

Does education about PMS help couples' satisfaction and adjustment?

Yes. Couples who received education about PMS together showed significantly better marital satisfaction and adjustment compared to couples who received no education.

Randomised trial, 2024

Do positive psychology and physical activity help PMS symptoms?

Yes. Both positive psychology and physical activity significantly reduced depression, anxiety, and stress in students with PMS, with benefits appearing about two months after the interventions.

Non-randomised trial, 2023

Does a school health education program reduce PMS symptoms?

A 4-week health education program significantly reduced moderate and severe PMS and PMDD symptoms in high school girls compared to a control group, though the study was limited to one school.

Non-randomised trial, 2023

Does education about healthy lifestyle reduce PMS symptoms in high school girls?

Yes. High school girls who received four educational sessions about PMS and healthy lifestyle had fewer PMS symptoms and better health beliefs than the control group at three months.

Randomised trial, 2023

Does mindfulness counselling improve sexual function in women with premenstrual syndrome?

Yes. Mindfulness counselling significantly improved sexual desire, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain. These improvements appeared right after treatment and remained at one month follow-up.

Randomised trial, 2023

What works better for PMS - counseling, vitamin D, or lifestyle training?

All three treatments reduced PMS symptoms, but online positive-oriented counseling worked best and women were most satisfied with it.

Survey study, 2023

How common are PMS, PMDD, anxiety, and depression in rural adolescent girls?

In 430 rural girls, 8.8% had PMDD and 17.4% had PMS. PMDD was significantly linked to depression, anxiety, menstrual pain, irregular cycles, and family type.

Randomised trial, 2023

Does peer education work as well as healthcare provider education for PMS in high school students?

Both peer education and healthcare provider education reduced PMS and improved general health in high school students compared to a control group. Both approaches appear equally effective.

Survey study, 2023

How does PMDD affect quality of life compared to PMS?

Women with PMDD had significantly lower quality of life across physical, psychological, and behavioral domains compared to those with PMS or no PMS (p < 0.001).

Study, 2022

Does COVID-19 infection affect menstrual cycles?

COVID-19 infection causes menstrual cycle changes in more than half of infected women, though most cycles return to normal within a year.

Survey study, 2022

Does an electronic booklet help women improve their self-care and manage PMS symptoms better?

Yes. After using an electronic booklet about PMS, women had fewer unhealthy habits and reported clear changes in their physical, behavioral, and emotional responses to PMS.

Randomised trial, 2022

Does group counseling reduce PMS symptoms and depression, stress, and anxiety?

Yes, group counseling significantly reduced PMS severity and depression, stress, and anxiety in women with PMS.

Randomised trial, 2022

Does online counselling using cognitive-behavioral techniques help PMS symptoms?

This abstract is a data description and does not report the study results.

Non-randomised trial, 2022

Does an educational program improve how secondary school girls manage PMS?

Yes. Girls who received an educational program improved their PMS-related practices compared to those who did not. Improvements were seen at 2 weeks and 4 weeks after the program.

Randomised trial, 2022

Can smartphone-based mindfulness training reduce PMS symptoms and improve quality of life?

Yes, smartphone mindfulness training significantly reduced PMS symptoms and improved quality of life in women with PMS.

Randomised trial, 2022

Does emotion-focused group therapy help women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder?

Yes. Emotion-focused group therapy significantly improved pain, self-compassion, sexual function, and reduced couple burnout. The effects were large and consistent across all measured areas.

Randomised trial, 2022

Can smartphone-based mindfulness training reduce PMS symptoms?

Yes, mindfulness training via smartphone significantly reduced PMS symptoms and improved quality of life in women with PMS.

Survey study, 2022

Do different healthcare providers differ in recognizing and treating PMDD?

Yes. Gynecologists and psychiatrists were rated highest for awareness and knowledge of PMDD. Psychotherapists were rated highest for interpersonal skills. Gynecologists were most likely to ask patients to track their symptoms daily. Different providers have different strengths.

Survey study, 2022

What treatments do working women use for PMS?

Most working women (54.3%) use both medicine and other approaches. Common medicines are ponstan and paracetamol. Common non-medicine approaches are exercise and psychological therapy.

Non-randomised trial, 2022

Does group counseling improve quality of life and reduce PMS symptoms?

Yes. Group counseling improved overall quality of life and some specific areas immediately after treatment, with improvements lasting one month later.

Randomised trial, 2022

Can resilience counseling reduce PMS severity in teenage girls?

Yes, resilience counseling significantly reduced PMS severity in high school girls, with most moving from severe symptoms to mild or moderate symptoms.

Randomised trial, 2022

Does happiness training improve quality of life in women with PMS?

Yes, happiness training based on Fordyce's approach significantly improved quality of life and reduced negative emotions and body pain in women with PMS.

Non-randomised trial, 2021

Does teaching girls about PMS improve their knowledge?

Yes. Knowledge about PMS increased from 24.1% to 56.3% in girls who received the educational program, while the comparison group showed no improvement.

Non-randomised trial, 2021

Does progressive muscle relaxation taught via mobile app reduce PMS symptoms in adolescents?

Yes, progressive muscle relaxation via mobile app reduced PMS symptoms. There was a clear difference between the treatment group and the control group.

Survey study, 2021

How common is premenstrual syndrome in Saudi women and what symptoms do they experience?

PMS is common in Saudi women. The most frequently reported symptoms were severe body aches (40.9%), severe mood swings (37.5%), and mild lack of concentration (36.2%).

Randomised trial, 2020

Does a lifestyle program help young women with irregular periods?

The program did not significantly improve menstrual regularity or hormone levels, but it did reduce some PMS symptoms like depression and anxiety and improved sleep.

Non-randomised trial, 2020

Does an educational program improve girls' knowledge about PMS?

Yes, an educational program significantly improved secondary school female students' knowledge about PMS compared to a control group (P≤0.01), with improvements sustained at a second follow-up test.

Survey study, 2020

Do rural and urban adolescent girls have different menstrual cycle patterns?

Yes, significantly. Rural and urban girls differ in period pain, PMS symptoms, menstrual flow, and practices. Rural girls also know less about their menstrual cycles.

Survey study, 2020

How common are PMS and PMDD in women?

In this study, all 198 women had some premenstrual symptoms, and 3.6% met criteria for PMDD, the more severe form.

Survey study, 2020

How many adolescent girls have PMS, and does teaching them about it help?

More than 50% of adolescent girls have PMS. Most girls lack knowledge about what PMS is, but educational programs significantly improve their knowledge.

Cohort study, 2020

How common are PMS and painful periods in female medical students, and do they affect school attendance?

Very common. 68% of the 100 students had PMS and 45% had painful periods. Both conditions were linked to missing classes and to being overweight or physically inactive.

Randomised trial, 2020

Does health education help women cope with PMS?

Yes, a health education programme significantly reduced PMS symptoms more than no education. Women who received the education had much lower symptom scores by the second and third months.

Randomised trial, 2020

Can a short course of CBT-based psychoeducation ease PMS symptoms like irritability and fatigue?

Yes, in this trial, women who went through five sessions of CBT-based psychoeducation reported fewer depressive thoughts, less irritability, and less fatigue than the control group.

Review, 2019

Which contraceptive methods are safest for women with PMDD?

Combined hormonal pills (especially 20 mcg ethinyl estradiol with 3 mg drospirenone) and copper IUDs help PMDD symptoms. Progestin-only methods may worsen mood and need careful monitoring.

Systematic review, 2019

Do psychosocial interventions reduce premenstrual syndrome severity?

Yes, psychological interventions, especially coping skills training, significantly reduced PMS severity. However, the effect was modest and based on a small number of studies.

Survey study, 2019

How common are PMS and PMDD in teenage girls?

Over half (53.5%) of female high school students experience PMS and about 1 in 8 (12.22%) experience PMDD. Girls with a family history of PMS are more likely to have these conditions. Schools could help by providing education about PMS.

Non-randomised trial, 2019

Are stress and personality traits linked to PMS and PMDD?

Yes. Women with high stress or high neuroticism (a tendency toward worry and negative feelings) were 5 to 8 times more likely to have PMS or PMDD. This is fairly reliable because it compared women with the condition to similar women without it.

Survey study, 2019

What causes severe PMS in female college students with disabilities?

The strongest causes of severe PMS were interpersonal stress, gynecological disease, and irregular exercise. Mindfulness and acceptance were the strongest predictors of symptom relief.

Case-control study, 2019

Is smoking linked to higher risk of PMS or PMDD?

Yes. Smokers had higher odds of PMS (1.78 times) and PMDD (2.92 times) compared to non-smokers. This association was stronger with higher smoking amounts.

Survey study, 2018

How much does PMS affect a teenage girl's quality of life?

Girls with PMS had significantly lower quality of life scores across nearly all areas of functioning compared to girls without PMS.

Survey study, 2018

Does how women feel about their period relate to how severe their PMS is?

Yes. Women with negative attitudes toward menstruation had more intense PMS symptoms.

Survey study, 2018

Can education about PMS help protect against stress-related symptom worsening?

Yes. Girls who received PMS education before an earthquake showed no change in symptoms during the disaster, while those without education experienced worsening symptoms.

Survey study, 2018

How common is PMS in college women and how much does it affect their studies and social life?

PMS is very common. 84.4% of students had PMS, and it seriously interfered with their studies and social activities.

Survey study, 2018

How many university students have menstrual problems, and is stress related to them?

91% of the students studied had some kind of menstrual problem. Stress was clearly linked to worse menstrual problems, including pain, absent periods, and premenstrual symptoms. This is a large study but cannot prove stress causes the problems.

Survey study, 2018

Does group counseling help reduce premenstrual syndrome?

Group counseling reduced symptom severity compared to no counseling in this trial. Three sessions discussing premenstrual syndrome and self-awareness appeared effective for high school girls.

Randomised trial, 2018

Does reading information about negative premenstrual changes make women report more negative symptoms?

Yes. Women who read text focusing only on negative changes reported significantly more negative and fewer positive premenstrual changes than those who read balanced information or no information.

Randomised trial, 2017

Does lemon balm capsule or educational support work better for reducing PMS symptoms?

Yes, both lemon balm capsules and educational support programs significantly reduced physical, mental, and social PMS symptoms compared to placebo and no treatment. We can be fairly confident because this was a well-designed randomized controlled trial with 200 women tracked over 3 months.

Non-randomised trial, 2017

Does education based on the health belief model help adolescents prevent premenstrual syndrome?

Yes, four lecture sessions significantly increased knowledge and preventive behaviors compared to no education (P<0.001). The study measured behavior change rather than symptom reduction.

Randomised trial, 2017

Can couples therapy help with severe PMS or PMDD more than individual therapy alone?

Yes. Both one-to-one and couple-based CBT reduced premenstrual symptoms and distress compared to a wait-list control, and couple-based CBT added extra benefits for coping skills and relationship quality. This comes from a moderate-sized randomised trial, so results are promising but not definitive.

Interview study, 2017

What causes PMDD and what are effective treatments?

PMDD affects 3 to 8 percent of women. It is caused by fluctuations in hormones and brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. Treatments include hormone therapy, antidepressants, and psychotherapy.

Survey study, 2017

Are mental health problems linked to irregular periods in teenage girls?

Yes. Girls with high stress are 1.88 times more likely to have irregular periods, those with depression are 2.01 times more likely, and those receiving counseling are 2.92 times more likely.

Non-randomised trial, 2017

Does teaching girls about PMS help them prevent symptoms?

Yes. Girls who received four education sessions about PMS showed significant improvements in knowledge and preventive behaviors compared to a control group.

Survey study, 2016

What psychological and social factors affect how bad PMS symptoms are?

Poor coping strategies, perfectionism, depression history, and having children were linked to worse symptoms. Better partner support and healthier coping were linked to better outcomes.

Randomised trial, 2016

Does mindfulness-based cognitive therapy reduce PMS, depression and anxiety?

Yes. Women who received mindfulness-based cognitive therapy showed significantly lower depression, anxiety, and PMS symptoms than those who received no treatment.

Randomised trial, 2015

Does spousal support decrease women's premenstrual syndrome symptoms?

Yes, it does. When spouses received education about supportive behaviors, women's physical and psychological symptoms decreased significantly after 3 months.

Study, 2015

Does vitamin B6 help reduce PMS symptoms in teenage girls?

Yes. Teenage girls who took vitamin B6 had a greater decrease in PMS symptoms compared to girls who received placebo.

Survey study, 2015

What helps high school girls manage premenstrual symptoms?

Understanding how your body and mood change during your menstrual cycle helps reduce premenstrual distress. Family support and understanding also help reduce symptoms.

Survey study, 2015

Does evidence-based nursing management reduce PMS severity?

Yes. Women who received evidence-based nursing management for 3 months (3 menstrual cycles) had statistically significant reductions in symptom severity.

Survey study, 2014

How many university students have dysmenorrhea and PMS, and what causes them?

85.1% had dysmenorrhea and 72.8% had PMS. Family history was the strongest risk factor for both. Regular menstrual cycles were protective against dysmenorrhea.

Study, 2014

What personality traits are linked to PMS?

Women with PMS tend to worry more about controlling their emotions. They often think of themselves as two different people, their real self and their PMS self. Those who suppress their true feelings or are perfectionists are especially likely to have this worry about control.

Case-control study, 2014

Is internet addiction linked to PMDD?

Women with PMDD are more likely to have internet use disorder with greater severity. Stress and impulsivity appear to be important connections between the two.

Randomised trial, 2014

Does teaching married men about PMS improve marital satisfaction?

Yes, when married men learned about PMS through pamphlets or text messages, both their knowledge and the couple's marital satisfaction increased significantly. Both methods worked equally well.

Randomised trial, 2013

Does psychological education reduce PMS symptoms in teenagers?

Yes. Psychological education significantly reduced overall PMS severity and reduced anxiety and physical symptoms. Effects on depression were minimal, and the intervention did not improve difficulty in relationships.

Case-control study, 2010

Do lesbian and bisexual women have different reproductive health than heterosexual women?

The study found that lesbian and bisexual women had less gynecological screening and more sexually transmitted infections, but response rate differences may have affected the findings.

Systematic review, 2009

Does psychological treatment help women with premenstrual syndrome?

Cognitive behavioral therapy may reduce anxiety and depression in women with PMS, but the quality of evidence is low. For every five women treated, one additional woman may benefit.

Non-randomised trial, 2008

Does the timing of quitting smoking in the menstrual cycle affect success?

Yes. Women who quit during the early cycle phase before ovulation were much more likely to remain abstinent than those who quit during the premenstrual phase. At one week after quitting, 31 percent of early-cycle women were smoking compared with 71 percent of premenstrual-phase women.

Review, 2007

What is PMS and what treatments work?

PMS affects an estimated 75% of women during the luteal phase of their cycle. Diagnosis is based on symptom tracking, not blood tests. Calcium supplements and SSRIs are treatments with excellent evidence for reducing symptoms.

Survey study, 2007

Do personality traits and family support affect how bad premenstrual symptoms are?

Yes. Women with perfectionism had worse PMS, and having supportive relationships with their mother and partner helped reduce this effect.

Survey study, 2007

What causes premenstrual syndrome and how should it be treated?

The abstract reviews existing research rather than new findings, noting that up to 90% of women report PMS symptoms but the condition still lacks clear definitions and proven treatments.

Review, 2002

What treatments work for PMDD?

PMDD affects 2 to 10 percent of women of reproductive age. Try lifestyle changes first, and if that does not work, SSRIs taken just during the luteal phase are very effective with minimal side effects.

Randomised trial, 2001

Does agnus castus help with PMS?

Yes, agnus castus was safe and effective for treating PMS in a randomized, blinded trial of 170 women, though this is based on one study.

Review, 2001

What is the best treatment for depression and anxiety disorders, including PMDD?

SSRIs (a type of antidepressant) are the first-line treatment for most depression and anxiety disorders, as well as for PMDD. Other newer antidepressants are options if SSRIs don't work or cause side effects.

Review, 2001

What health benefits does the oral contraceptive pill provide?

The oral contraceptive pill has proven benefits including protection against ovarian and endometrial cancers, preventing serious infections and pregnancy complications, and preventing anemia. It can also treat painful periods, heavy bleeding, acne, and endometriosis pain.

Guideline, 2001

What is the best treatment for PMDD and depression in women?

For severe PMDD symptoms, doctors recommend antidepressant medication combined with therapy. For mild symptoms, therapy alone or lifestyle approaches may work as well or better than medication.

Review, 2001

What medical problems can the levonorgestrel intrauterine device treat?

The levonorgestrel IUD can treat heavy periods, period pain, and prevent anemia. It may also help endometriosis pain, though this is based on a review article rather than new clinical research.

Study, 2000

Is it easier to quit smoking at a particular time in the menstrual cycle?

Yes. Women who quit smoking during the first 14 days of their cycle experienced fewer withdrawal symptoms and less depression compared to women who quit later in their cycle.

Randomised trial, 1999

Does a group symptom management program reduce severe PMS?

Yes, the program reduced PMS severity by 75% and depression and general distress by 30 to 54 percent. Benefits lasted for at least 18 months. This improvement matches or exceeds the benefits of antidepressant medications.

Survey study, 1997

Does education about PMS help reduce symptoms?

Yes. Women who received 8 weeks of education showed clear improvements in knowledge about PMS, how well they cared for themselves, and their actual symptoms. Women who didn't receive education showed no change.

Cohort study, 1996

Do girls' expectations about menstruation affect their later PMS symptoms?

Yes. A study of 80 girls found that their expectations about menstrual changes before their first period predicted how they experienced PMS and menstrual symptoms later.

Review, 1994

What medications work for PMS and are they safe?

Three classes of drugs have proven effective: benzodiazepines (especially alprazolam), SSRIs (especially fluoxetine), and GnRH agonists. However, all have significant side effects that doctors must weigh against benefits.

Review, 1990

Is buspirone an effective treatment for anxiety?

Yes, buspirone works as well as benzodiazepine anxiety medications and significantly better than placebo for generalized anxiety disorder and chronic anxiety. It also has antidepressant effects, and it is safer because it does not cause dependence, though it works more slowly.

Randomised trial, 1990

Does progesterone or behavior therapy work better than placebo for PMS?

No. Over half of women in all three groups improved, but there were no significant differences between progesterone, placebo pills, or behavior therapy.

Randomised trial, 1990

Does education about PMS help reduce premenstrual symptoms?

Yes. Women who received education had fewer anxiety and appetite symptoms, fewer severe depression and water retention symptoms, and fewer days with any symptoms.

Review, 1990

How common is PMS and what are the best ways to treat it?

PMS is common among women of reproductive age, especially in their 30s or older. Treatment can include exercise, diet, vitamins, and medications such as progesterone or birth control pills, with support and counseling being especially important.

Randomised trial, 1988

What causes PMS and what are the treatment options?

The cause of PMS remains unknown, though leading theories involve prostaglandins, endorphins, or progesterone deficiency. Treatments include education, diet, exercise, and various medications. Most people with PMS can be helped.

Study, 1988

Do psychotherapists correctly diagnose premenstrual syndrome?

Most psychotherapists can correctly distinguish PMS from other conditions when symptoms are described as cyclical. However, some therapists still misdiagnose PMS cases.

Review, 1983

What causes PMS symptoms and how should it be treated?

The four days before a period are when most PMS happens, causing irritability, depression, anxiety and fatigue. Treatments include vitamin B6, antidepressants, anti-anxiety medication and therapy, though evidence is mixed.

Study, 1979

Do dydrogesterone and pyridoxine improve premenstrual syndrome symptoms?

Yes. Dydrogesterone led to 73% sustained improvement and pyridoxine led to 63% sustained improvement. However, placebo also caused 43% improvement in the dydrogesterone trial, which shows the mind-body effect is substantial.

Survey study, 2026

Do teenage girls understand premenstrual syndrome?

More than half (53.3%) of 60 girls aged 15-17 demonstrated adequate knowledge of PMS. Family income was associated with knowledge level, but age and religion were not.

Survey study, 2026

What attitudes do nursing students have toward premenstrual dysphoric disorder?

Most nursing students (51.6%) had positive attitudes toward PMDD, while 49.4% had moderate attitudes. This study only measured attitudes, not clinical knowledge or skills.

Non-randomised trial, 2026

Does teaching about PMS improve adolescent girls' knowledge of the condition?

Yes. Seven days after a structured teaching programme, adolescent girls showed significantly higher knowledge scores compared to before the teaching (p<0.05). This suggests education can improve understanding of PMS.

Survey study, 2026

Do nursing students understand premenstrual syndrome?

96% of 149 nursing students demonstrated good knowledge of PMS and 96% had positive attitudes toward it. Higher knowledge was associated with more positive attitudes.

Survey study, 2026

Does PMS affect what women eat and their feelings about food?

Yes. Women with PMS ate significantly more packaged processed foods and fast food during their period, and also had stronger emotional responses to food. Regular breakfast was less common in the PMS group.

Survey study, 2026

Does low calcium intake relate to PMS in teenage girls?

Girls with low calcium intake were more likely to have PMS and period pain. However, we cannot prove that eating more calcium would reduce PMS based on this snapshot study.

Survey study, 2026

Is poor sleep linked to PMS and other period problems?

Yes. In this study, women with worse sleep and insomnia symptoms were more likely to report PMS, painful periods, and irregular cycles, but this only shows a link, not that poor sleep causes these problems.

Survey study, 2026

How do PMS, pain sensitivity, and sleep connect in women with fibromyalgia?

Worse PMS was linked to worse sleep and higher pain sensitivity in this group. Pain sensitivity may partly explain why PMS severity affects sleep, but the relationships are complex.

Non-randomised trial, 2026

Does 6 weeks of online nutrition education reduce PMS symptoms?

PMS symptoms decreased significantly after 6-week WhatsApp nutrition education, especially mood and bloating. However, without a control group, we cannot determine if improvements were from the program, placebo effect, or natural cycles.

Interview study, 2026

How do hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle affect women with ADHD?

Women with ADHD reported feeling energetic and productive around ovulation, but struggling with low energy and difficulty managing tasks during the premenstrual week. Healthcare providers often didn't understand this connection.

Survey study, 2026

Do psychological resilience and happiness help women cope better with PMS?

Yes. Psychological resilience and happiness both significantly influenced how women coped with PMS, with happiness having the strongest effect. These two factors explained approximately 12% of the variation in coping behaviors.

Interview study, 2026

How does PMDD change how women feel about themselves in their relationships?

This study interviewed 20 women with PMDD to understand how the condition affects their sense of self as partners, mothers, and friends. The abstract does not include what the researchers actually found.

Survey study, 2026

What factors help female college students cope with premenstrual syndrome?

Finding health information online, having more severe PMS symptoms, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle all help students cope with PMS. Together these factors explain 22% of the variation in coping ability.

Study, 2026

Does a new therapy program help women with premenstrual problems?

This paper describes a new therapy program for premenstrual problems but is too early to say whether it works, since it has only been tested with one woman.

Non-randomised trial, 2026

Does group counseling reduce PMS symptoms in school students?

Yes. Group counseling significantly reduced PMS symptoms across all types (emotional, behavioral, thinking-related, physical) and functional problems. Quality of life improved substantially, and severe school interference dropped from 15.9% to 2.3%.

Survey study, 2026

Can health education help adolescent girls understand menstrual disorders and severe premenstrual disorder?

Health education clearly improved girls' knowledge about menstrual disorders and severe premenstrual disorder. Before education, 82.5% had less than adequate knowledge. After education, all students achieved very good understanding.

Non-randomised trial, 2026

Does peer counseling via social media improve adolescent girls' attitudes toward managing PMS?

Yes, possibly. Girls with good attitudes toward PMS increased from 20% to 65% after social media-based peer counseling. However, this study had no control group, so we cannot be certain counseling caused the improvement.

Case report, 2026

Does psychotherapy help with premenstrual increases in sexual desire and thoughts?

Yes. Psychotherapy reduced sexual distress in three women with cyclical increases in sexual desire before menstruation.

Survey study, 2026

How many teenage girls in Nepal have PMS and how does it affect them?

Almost two-thirds of teenage girls in this school have PMS. It most strongly affects their friendships and school engagement, but less than 5% report low grades.

Study, 2026

How common is premenstrual syndrome in teenage girls?

Premenstrual syndrome is very common in teenage girls. About 85.7% reported irritability, 60.7% had anger, 40.7% had headaches, and 8.5% had very severe symptoms.

Survey study, 2026

How common is PMS in Yemen and what lifestyle factors affect it?

About 41.1% had moderate-to-severe PMS. Being overweight, eating fast food, chewing qat, and living in a rural area were linked to worse symptoms.

Survey study, 2026

How common is PMS among medical students and how is it linked to depression?

Using the study's definition, 96.4% had PMS. Those with PMS had higher depression and lower school involvement. The extremely high prevalence makes confidence low.

Survey study, 2026

How common is PMS among medical students and how does it relate to productivity?

75.2% had PMS. Those with PMS reported much less productivity (73.4% versus 14.5% without), more stress, and used more pain medication.

Survey study, 2026

How common is PMS in female university students in Lebanon and what factors increase the risk?

Nearly half (46.8%) had moderate-to-severe PMS and 16.5% had PMDD. Smoking, heavy periods, skipping meals, fast food, social media, and high stress were significantly associated with increased risk. Most women used NSAIDs, but less than half found them very effective.

Survey study, 2026

Can watching a YouTube video teach teenage girls more about PMS?

Yes, in this small study, a YouTube-based health talk clearly improved girls' knowledge about PMS, but it only measured knowledge, not whether symptoms improved.

Interview study, 2026

What do female employees and high school girls understand about PMDD?

High school girls were more aware of PMDD than working women, though both groups understood roughly the same amount. Being more aware did not necessarily mean understanding the condition better.

Survey study, 2026

Does being kind to yourself help reduce how negative attitudes about menstruation worsen PMS symptoms?

Being kind to yourself (self-compassion) appears to reduce the connection between negative menstrual attitudes and PMS symptoms. However, this finding comes from one study where women volunteered online, so it is not yet proven.

Survey study, 2026

Do trauma and stress worsen PMS symptoms, and does how you think about events matter?

Yes. Trauma and stress are strongly linked to worse PMS. The connection may work partly through how women interpret events and how much anger they feel.

Study, 2026

Could early stress or past trauma make PMDD symptoms worse later in the cycle?

This research offers a possible explanation for why PMDD symptoms vary so much, and why related conditions can worsen before a period. It is only a theory, not tested on patients, so we don't yet know if it is true.

Survey study, 2026

Does PMS affect female students' academic performance?

Yes. Over 95% of female students had at least one PMS symptom, and 67.88% reported that PMS caused moderate to severe disruption to their studies.

Case report, 2025

What do young women with PMS food cravings need?

This survey of 30 young women with PMS food cravings found an absence of counseling services to support them. The study suggests that developing counseling services and focusing on eating wholesome foods and getting rest should be priorities in treating PMS food cravings.

Survey study, 2025

How common are PMS and PMDD among female university students?

About 10.37% had PMS and 19.26% had PMDD. Technical course students had higher rates than medical course students.

Survey study, 2025

How much do high school girls know about PMS?

High school girls have very low PMS knowledge. 75% had poor knowledge, and girls from rural areas knew significantly less than those from urban areas.

Survey study, 2025

What are the most common premenstrual symptoms among adolescent girls in Chandigarh?

The most common premenstrual symptoms were headaches (67%), breast pain (62%), and anxiety or tension (59%). These findings are from one city in India with 100 girls, so they may not represent all adolescent girls.

Survey study, 2025

Are BMI and diet linked to premenstrual syndrome severity?

Yes. BMI was significantly related to PMS, and nutrition counselling improved PMS symptoms. These findings suggest that paying attention to weight and diet may help reduce PMS.

Survey study, 2025

How many university students have PMDD and do they know about it?

About 4 in 10 university students in Riyadh met PMDD criteria. Most (58.5%) had heard of PMDD before. Common coping strategies included paying attention to symptoms and normalizing them. More education is needed.

Survey study, 2025

What is the prevalence of PMS among medical students in India, and what factors are linked to it?

One in five medical students in this study had moderate-to-severe PMS. Lack of regular exercise and family history were linked to worse PMS.

Randomised trial, 2025

Can combined therapy reduce emotional effects of PMS in teenage girls?

Yes. Teenage girls who received 10 sessions of combined cognitive behavioral therapy and narrative therapy showed significant reductions in rumination and catastrophic thinking about pain. Improvements lasted at follow-up.

Non-randomised trial, 2025

Does education about yoga help treat PMS symptoms?

Knowledge about treating PMS with yoga increased after the education session. Yoga may help control stress, anxiety, depression, and dysmenorrhea, though the study only measured knowledge gain, not symptom improvement.

Randomised trial, 2025

Does psychoeducation with psychodrama techniques reduce PMS symptoms?

Yes. Women who participated in 7 sessions of psychoeducation and psychodrama had significantly lower PMS symptom scores, especially for depression, fatigue, irritability, and sleep problems.

Survey study, 2025

What factors are linked to PMS in female graduate students?

40% experienced PMS. Stress, period pain, use of menstrual delaying medicine, and earlier menarche were significantly linked to higher PMS risk.

Survey study, 2025

How much do nursing students know about PMDD and how do they feel about it?

Nursing students generally had average to good knowledge of PMDD and mostly positive attitudes toward it, though a meaningful number still knew little about it.

Cohort study, 2025

Do women with PMS have more nightmares before their period, and does nightmare therapy help?

In this very small study, women with PMS showed more frequent nightmares in the premenstrual phase. Nightmare therapy improved overall severity, but the benefit in PMS women specifically was unclear.

Study, 2025

Can adolescent girls manage PMS without medication?

Yes. Evidence shows that physical activity, dietary changes, yoga, meditation, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and educational peer-support programs are all effective for reducing PMS symptom severity.

Interview study, 2025

What kind of therapy do people with premenstrual conditions want?

People want therapists trained in their condition to validate them and help them gain control and self-compassion. They also want broader social recognition of premenstrual conditions.

Survey study, 2025

What do women with PMDD want in a mental health program?

Women want programs that address serious mental health impacts like suicidal thoughts, hopelessness, and anxiety, plus effects on relationships. They also want evidence-based information and techniques for managing difficult emotions.

Survey study, 2025

How aware are medical students of PMDD, and how common is it among female medical students?

Female medical students recognised PMDD as a mental disorder much more than male students. About 9% of female medical students tested positive for PMDD on screening.

Case report, 2025

How do hormones affect yeast infections that keep coming back before menstruation?

Estrogen and progesterone changes make yeast grow more easily and reduce the body's ability to fight it. Switching to a different type of birth control helped one woman's recurrent yeast infections.

Survey study, 2025

What factors are linked to PMS severity in female college students?

BMI, menstrual flow amount, when menstruation started, and field of study were linked to PMS symptom severity.

Survey study, 2025

How common are premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder in Saudi Arabia?

Nearly two-thirds of Saudi women surveyed had clinically significant PMS and 12.2% had the more severe PMDD, with mood problems being the most common symptoms.

Survey study, 2025

Does childhood trauma affect PMS symptoms and how women experience childbirth?

Yes, childhood trauma, especially emotional and physical neglect, was linked to both PMS and traumatic childbirth perception. Reproductive health education appeared to reduce this effect.

Guideline, 2025

What non-drug treatments can help PMS?

Several non-drug approaches exist including lifestyle changes, complementary medicine, and therapy, but this article does not provide specific evidence for which works best.

Survey study, 2025

What is premenstrual syndrome and how can it be managed in adolescent girls?

PMS is a combination of physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms affecting 70-90% of women of reproductive age in Indonesia. It can be managed with medications like NSAIDs and antidepressants, or non-medication approaches like exercise and lifestyle changes.

Survey study, 2025

How common are painful periods, PMS, and heavy bleeding in teenage girls in Sudan?

Painful periods were most common at 56.8%, followed by PMS at 30.2% and heavy bleeding at 21%. However, these numbers come from Sudan only, so they may not apply elsewhere.

Review, 2025

Can self-guided online therapy help premenstrual mood symptoms?

A review suggests that self-guided online cognitive behavior therapy shows promise for premenstrual mood symptoms and could be integrated into menstrual tracking apps. However, more research is needed.

Survey study, 2025

What lifestyle and body composition factors are associated with PMS in young women?

Extra caffeine and salt consumption were significantly linked to PMS. Poor diet, alcohol, and smoking were also associated with menstrual problems, and PMS severely affected social life and daily activities.

Survey study, 2025

How common is PMS among female medical students, and how severe are the symptoms?

PMS is very common in female medical students (71.1%), with most having both emotional and physical symptoms of moderate severity.

Review, 2025

How does the menstrual cycle affect psychiatric symptoms like depression and anxiety?

Many women experience worsening psychiatric symptoms during the premenstrual and menstrual phases due to hormonal changes in estrogen and progesterone. Treatment should monitor symptoms across the menstrual cycle and may include lifestyle changes, therapy, antidepressants, or hormonal therapies.

Survey study, 2024

What makes diagnosing severe PMS (PMDD) difficult?

Diagnosing PMDD is difficult because it requires doctors from multiple specialties and there is no single standard diagnostic tool.

Interview study, 2024

What is it like to recover from or manage PMDD?

Women recovering from PMDD described moving from feeling shame and helplessness toward recovery and taking action. Many found that doctors who didn't understand PMDD made things worse.

Non-randomised trial, 2024

Does PMS education and medical help reduce symptoms and improve work performance?

Medical help reduced one type of symptom (intermenstrual symptoms) in women with moderate-to-severe PMS, but did not clearly improve other symptoms or work productivity. Very few women sought help despite education.

Non-randomised trial, 2024

Does cognitive-behavioral or mindfulness stress management help reduce PMS in high school girls?

The study compared cognitive-behavioral and mindfulness stress management for PMS in high school girls, but the results section of the abstract was not provided, so the effectiveness is unknown.

Survey study, 2024

Does teaching mental health doctors about PMDD improve how they assess and treat it?

When psychiatric staff attended a PMDD education session, they reported learning more about assessment and evidence-based treatment options. The study did not measure whether patients received better care.

Non-randomised trial, 2024

Do Pilates exercises and WhatsApp support reduce PMS and improve daily activities and academic performance?

Yes, significantly. Students showed decreased PMS, improved daily activities, and better academic performance with highly statistically significant improvements at 4 and 8 weeks.

Survey study, 2024

How does period pain affect students' academic performance?

Period pain significantly harms academic performance. About three quarters of students reported that mood swings during their period made it hard to concentrate, attend classes, take exams, and complete assignments.

Survey study, 2024

What do people in Pakistan know about PMS and PMDD?

About 64% of people surveyed were aware of PMS and PMDD, but 35% were not aware, and 39% mistakenly thought these were life-threatening conditions.

Survey study, 2024

How common is PMS among female medical students?

84% of female medical students experienced some form of PMS, with 25% reporting severe symptoms. Psychological symptoms were the most common type.

Interview study, 2024

How common is PMS in adolescent girls and what causes it?

86% of nursing students had PMS, with 54% experiencing moderate symptoms and 8% severe symptoms. Both lifestyle and personal factors influenced whether girls developed PMS.

Survey study, 2024

How common is PMDD among medical and dental students?

About 7.27% of female medical students had PMDD, while 75.7% had some premenstrual symptoms. Many men did not know about PMDD.

Study, 2024

Does PMDD affect quality of life and depression more than regular PMS?

Yes. Women with PMDD had much lower quality of life and much higher depression than women with PMS.

Survey study, 2024

Is stress linked to premenstrual syndrome?

Yes, moderate to high stress was significantly linked to PMS risk. Women with moderate to high stress were 1.79 times more likely to have PMS.

Survey study, 2024

Is exposure to chemicals that disrupt hormones linked to more severe PMS?

Yes. There was a statistically significant positive correlation between endocrine disruptor exposure and PMS severity (r = 0.196, p = 0.014), though the relationship was modest.

Survey study, 2024

Can yoga and diet reduce premenstrual syndrome symptoms?

The study found that female college students who did yoga regularly had lower PMS scores (88) than those who did not (100). However, this is an observation only and does not prove yoga prevents PMS.

Survey study, 2023

What menstrual symptoms do college students experience and what medicines do they use?

The abstract does not clearly report the study findings. It concludes PMS is treatable and that education and lifestyle counseling can help.

Survey study, 2023

Does attachment style affect how severe premenstrual symptoms are?

For women not on hormonal birth control, yes. Women with anxious attachment (being very worried in relationships) had more severe premenstrual symptoms through difficulty controlling emotions. Women on hormonal contraception did not show this pattern.

Non-randomised trial, 2023

Does poetry therapy help women with PMDD reduce negative thoughts and improve mood?

Yes. Women who received group poetry therapy had significant improvements in negative thoughts, intrusive memories, and mood balance compared to no treatment.

Randomised trial, 2023

What does research show about PMDD neurochemistry?

The provided text does not include results from a PMDD neurochemistry study. It discusses unrelated research on other topics.

Study, 2023

How does menstruation affect different areas of women's lives?

Menstruation affects mental health, education, money, and culture, and the challenges are worse for some women depending on race and economic status.

Study, 2023

Does education about PMS help young women understand the condition?

Yes, clearly. Young women who received education and counseling about PMS showed increased knowledge about the condition.

Study, 2023

Does teaching adolescents about PMS help them manage it?

Yes. After a health education program, adolescent girls had better understanding of PMS symptoms and knew how to manage them. Some needed ongoing support to actually use the techniques.

Survey study, 2023

How common are PMS and PMDD in Iranian medical students, and what factors increase risk?

38.6% had PMS and 8% had PMDD. The strongest risk factors were recent stress and being married.

Study, 2023

What physical and emotional symptoms do women with PMDD experience?

Women with PMDD experience severe physical symptoms such as pain, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, and sleep problems, as well as emotional symptoms like irritability, anxiety, and depression that significantly disrupt work and daily life.

Interview study, 2023

What PMS symptoms do university students experience, and how do they cope with them?

University students frequently reported PMS, with anxiety, fatigue, and breast tenderness being the most common symptoms. Most students had good coping skills and used strategies like rest, exercise, and herbal tea.

Survey study, 2023

What psychological symptoms do adolescent girls with premenstrual syndrome experience?

Among 95 junior high school girls, 56.8% had PMS with mild severity. Most experienced irritability (87.4%), and large numbers experienced anxiety (72.6%) and withdrawal behavior (86.3%).

Randomised trial, 2023

Does cognitive-behavioral counseling help adolescent girls with PMS build resilience?

The abstract does not provide the study results, so we cannot tell if the counseling helped.

Non-randomised trial, 2023

Can pop-up book education increase adolescent girls' knowledge about premenstrual syndrome?

Yes. Knowledge about premenstrual syndrome significantly increased after girls received pop-up book education.

Randomised trial, 2023

Does cognitive-behavioral hypnotherapy help women with severe PMS control anger and distress?

Yes. In 30 women with severe PMS, those who received cognitive-behavioral hypnotherapy showed significant improvements in distress tolerance and aggression after treatment and at 3-month follow-up. However this is a very small study so results are preliminary.

Non-randomised trial, 2023

Does teaching about PMS improve knowledge and reduce school absences?

Yes, teaching about PMS significantly increased knowledge (from 20.6% to 72.2% with good knowledge) and improved attitudes. It was also associated with fewer school absences.

Non-randomised trial, 2023

Does education help teenage girls learn to detect and manage PMS?

Yes, after education and discussion, 87.5% of girls had good knowledge about early detection and management of PMS. However, the study only measured knowledge, not whether girls actually detected or managed symptoms better.

Non-randomised trial, 2022

Does teaching adolescents about period symptoms improve their knowledge and attitudes?

Yes, after one week of teaching, more girls had adequate knowledge about PMS and more had positive attitudes. There was no comparison group.

Non-randomised trial, 2022

Is nutrition status linked to PMS, and does health education help?

Girls with normal nutrition status had less PMS. The age they started their period was not linked to PMS. Health education improved their knowledge about PMS.

Survey study, 2022

What are the most common PMS symptoms and coping strategies in female students?

The most common symptoms were mood swings (77.7%), irritability, fatigue, and breast tenderness. Most students coped by resting, sleeping, or accepting it as natural, but 88.3% had poor health-seeking behavior.

Cohort study, 2022

Is suicide more likely to happen during a particular phase of the menstrual cycle?

In this study of 91 women who died by suicide in India, about two-thirds were in the secretory (luteal, pre-period) phase of their cycle, hinting at a possible link between premenstrual hormonal changes and suicide risk, but the study cannot prove cause and effect.

Survey study, 2022

Is body weight linked to PMS in teenage girls?

Yes. Girls with low body weight had more PMS than girls with normal weight. Improving nutrition may help reduce symptoms.

Randomised trial, 2022

Does cognitive-behavioral hypnotherapy reduce menstrual pain in women with severe PMS?

Yes. In 24 women with menstrual pain and severe PMS, those who received 8 sessions of cognitive-behavioral hypnotherapy showed significant improvements in pain intensity and quality of life. This is a very small study so results are preliminary.

Survey study, 2022

What causes PMDD symptoms and how can they be treated?

Low progesterone is linked to PMDD symptoms. A medication called allopregnanolone and certain foods may help reduce symptoms.

Survey study, 2022

Can peer health education help young women manage PMS?

Yes. Peer education using counseling techniques reduced anxiety about PMS in high school students, with 54.5% very satisfied and 41.6% satisfied with the education.

Study, 2022

What menstrual and weight issues occur in women with Fragile X syndrome?

This case describes one woman with Fragile X syndrome who experienced recurring menstrual cycle disorders, genital inflammation, and weight fluctuations. She required ongoing specialized care.

Non-randomised trial, 2022

Can a PMS tracking app combined with education reduce anxiety symptoms in teenage girls?

Yes. Teenage girls who used a PMS tracking app and attended an educational class showed reduced anxiety symptoms from PMS compared to girls who only received counseling.

Survey study, 2022

Is Facebook easy and useful for learning about PMS?

Yes. Of 77 school teenagers, 63.6% found Facebook easy to use for PMS health education and 57.1% found it useful. Students who found it easier to use were more likely to find it useful.

Interview study, 2022

Does cognitive behavioural therapy help PMDD in young people?

We cannot say for certain. Almost no studies test cognitive behavioural therapy in people under 18, but one small study of 62 young people found psychoeducation improved symptoms after 3 months.

Survey study, 2022

What makes teenage girls adopt behaviours to prevent PMS?

Girls who believe they are at risk of PMS, believe they can prevent it, and see few barriers to prevention are more likely to adopt preventive behaviours. These factors predict about one-third of behaviour change.

Survey study, 2022

How common is PMS in physiotherapy students and what is linked to it?

PMS is very common: 85% had it. Living in a rural area, starting periods young, higher BMI, and family history of menstrual problems were all linked to higher PMS risk.

Survey study, 2022

What problems do young teenage girls experience during their period?

Most experience body pain, leg pain, and headaches. Many also have mood changes, irritability, and stress. Some lack privacy or face restrictions.

Survey study, 2022

What helps prevent premenstrual syndrome in adolescent girls?

Girls who exercise weekly, come from higher-income families, and have more educated mothers are more likely to adopt behaviors that prevent or reduce PMS symptoms. However, overall adoption of preventive behaviors was low in this group of high school students.

Survey study, 2022

Does PMS hurt quality of life in young nursing students?

Yes, students who had PMS tended to have poor quality of life, and the worse their PMS, the worse their quality of life, though this can't prove PMS directly causes the poor quality of life.

Non-randomised trial, 2022

Does a young women's class reduce PMS anxiety in teenage girls?

Yes. Teenage girls who attended a young women's class with stress management and yoga exercises showed a mean anxiety reduction of 5.94 compared to 0.97 in the control group.

Survey study, 2021

Do women with PMS have higher blood pressure?

Yes. Women with PMS had clearly higher blood pressure before their period compared to women without PMS.

Non-randomised trial, 2021

Does teaching young women about PMS improve their knowledge?

Yes. Seven young women who received PMS education significantly increased their knowledge (p=0.000).

Non-randomised trial, 2021

Does a training program help university students manage PMS symptoms better?

Yes, students who completed a training program on PMS coping strategies showed more coping behaviors and higher coping scores than students who did not receive training.

Survey study, 2021

How common is PMS in women of childbearing age?

Most women reported some PMS symptoms and it affects quality of life and daily functioning. However, 75% didn't see a doctor and 83.3% didn't use any treatment.

Interview study, 2021

What do Spanish women think about their healthcare for premenstrual discomfort?

Women feel healthcare is inadequate because doctors only provide medication without investigating underlying causes. They want providers to address root causes and prefer education over medication alone.

Survey study, 2021

Is anxiety about PMS related to how much girls know about reproductive health?

Yes. There is a relationship between girls' knowledge about reproductive health and their anxiety about premenstrual syndrome.

Survey study, 2021

What helps women adopt preventive behaviors for PMS?

Women with confidence in their ability and who understood the benefits of physical activity were more likely to adopt preventive behaviors. Confidence and physical activity were the strongest factors.

Study, 2021

Can online education about meditation help teenagers with premenstrual pain?

Online education about meditation for premenstrual syndrome increased teenagers' knowledge and was well-received, but this study did not measure whether actual pain decreased.

Non-randomised trial, 2021

Does health education increase teenagers' knowledge about PMS?

Yes. Teenagers who received health education showed an increase in PMS knowledge. We do not know whether their behaviors or symptoms changed.

Randomised trial, 2021

Do women with depression or bipolar disorder experience worse symptoms before or during their menstrual cycle?

About 60% of women with mood disorders report premenstrual worsening of symptoms, which predicts worse disease overall. Current PMDD treatments work less well or not at all for this problem, and more research is needed to understand what helps.

Survey study, 2021

Do anger and fatigue from PMS affect family relationships and responsibilities?

Yes. Anger and fatigue are linked to difficulties with family functions and responsibilities. Together, these two symptoms explain about 42% of the variation in how much PMS affects family life.

Interview study, 2021

What do Dutch general practitioners think about diagnosing and treating premenstrual symptoms?

Dutch GPs viewed PMS as a physiological condition caused by hormones and personal sensitivity, and preferred treating symptoms with oral contraceptives and lifestyle changes rather than antidepressants.

Survey study, 2020

What attitudes do teenage girls have about premenstrual syndrome, and what affects them?

Most girls had positive attitudes about PMS (50.3%) and good knowledge about it (74.2%). Knowledge, physical activity, anxiety levels, and health education all related to how they felt about managing PMS.

Survey study, 2020

Is there a link between how much adolescents know about reproduction and their attitudes toward PMS?

Yes, a clear relationship was found between reproductive knowledge and attitudes toward PMS. Girls with more education about reproduction had different views on PMS than those who knew less.

Survey study, 2020

Is a woman's personality linked to how much PMS she gets?

Yes, personality traits were linked to PMS scores in this study, but this only shows a connection, not that personality causes PMS.

Interview study, 2020

How should doctors treat PMDD in women who also have bipolar disorder?

Very few studies exist on this combination, making treatment challenging. The evidence suggests treating bipolar disorder first with mood stabilizers, then addressing PMDD symptoms separately, but this is based on treating each condition alone rather than research on both together.

Survey study, 2020

Do negative attitudes about menstruation and suggestibility predict worse PMS pain and distress?

Yes. Women with more negative attitudes about menstruation and higher suggestibility had significantly greater pain intensity and higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression.

Study, 2020

Does gentle yoga help reduce premenstrual syndrome symptoms?

In a month-long trial, adolescent girls reported that gentle yoga somewhat reduced pain, though the benefit was limited because the yoga was only done once during the organized intervention.

Cohort study, 2019

What factors cause PMS in women of reproductive age?

Age was the main factor, explaining 90.3% of PMS cases. Other factors linked to PMS were higher parity, older age, poor nutrition, and less exercise.

Randomised trial, 2019

Does taking chromium help with mood symptoms linked to the menstrual cycle?

In this very small early study, chromium supplementation was linked to reduced mood symptoms in most of the women taking part, but with only a handful of participants this cannot be seen as strong proof.

Non-randomised trial, 2019

Does an education program help nursing students with PMS improve knowledge and reduce symptoms?

Yes. The education program clearly increased knowledge and reduced PMS symptoms. Students also lost weight, dropping from an average of 77.4 kg to 68.89 kg.

Survey study, 2019

What helps improve quality of life for teenagers with menstrual problems?

Exercise, TENS therapy, medication, and counseling all help. Family support and age also matter. Multiple approaches work, not just medication.

Interview study, 2019

How does PMDD affect adolescents' lives?

PMDD causes discomfort and interferes with social relationships in teenagers. Symptoms cycle with the menstrual cycle and are triggered by environmental and hormonal factors. This very small qualitative study (6 students) cannot be generalized.

Survey study, 2019

How common is premenstrual syndrome in female university students and how much does it affect them?

About 1 in 5 female students (18%) had PMS. Among those with PMS, 75% had stopped studying, showing how severe it can be.

Survey study, 2018

Do healthier daily habits mean fewer PMS symptoms in college students?

Yes, somewhat: female college students with healthier daily habits (like diet, exercise, and personal growth) tended to have milder PMS, but the link was weak.

Interview study, 2018

How do adolescents perceive PMDD symptoms?

Adolescents had two different views of PMDD. Some saw it as a natural part of being female, while others saw it as a disease. The study included only 6 girls, so findings may not apply to all teenagers.

Non-randomised trial, 2018

Does counseling reduce PMS in teenage girls?

Counseling and natural techniques reduced PMS complaints in teenage girls. However, the evidence is weak because the study was very small and had no control group.

Survey study, 2018

Does drinking caffeine worsen PMS symptoms?

Yes. Students with moderate and severe PMS showed highly statistically significant decrease in caffeine consumption, with reduction in caffeine linked to improvement in PMS severity and duration.

Survey study, 2018

What affects quality of life in nursing students with premenstrual syndrome?

Premenstrual syndrome is the strongest factor affecting quality of life in nursing students, though being younger and eating bland food also matter. These three factors explain 17.6% of why quality of life varies, so other things are important too.

Non-randomised trial, 2018

Does teaching teenagers about PMS with booklets or leaflets increase their knowledge?

Yes, both methods significantly increased knowledge (p=0.001 for each), with booklet education more effective than leaflets (p=0.002).

Survey study, 2018

How common is severe PMS in female students and does it affect quality of life?

38.8% of students had severe PMS. PMS was clearly linked to quality of life, with students experiencing more PMS symptoms reporting lower quality of life.

Non-randomised trial, 2017

Does guided imagery reduce premenstrual syndrome symptoms?

Yes, guided imagery significantly reduced PMS symptoms with a 21.4% improvement. However, without a control group, we cannot be certain the improvement was due to the imagery.

Survey study, 2017

Does cognitive-behavioral therapy or cognitive hypnosis help reduce depression in students with PMS?

Both therapies reduced depression in students with PMS. Cognitive-behavioral therapy and cognitive hypnosis worked about equally well.

Survey study, 2017

Does physical activity reduce PMS symptoms?

Physical activity did not reduce how often women had PMS. However, it did reduce the severity of anxiety, anger, migraines, and abdominal bloating. The study cannot prove activity caused this because it was cross-sectional.

Survey study, 2017

How common is premenstrual syndrome in teenage girls and what methods do they use to cope?

More than half of teenage girls had at least mild PMS symptoms, and most did not use any coping strategy. The study was only one month in one school in Ethiopia, so findings may differ elsewhere.

Survey study, 2017

Does fear of period pain affect mood and thinking during the menstrual cycle?

Yes. Women expecting severe period pain showed increased anxiety and depression and slower thinking response during the premenstrual phase, suggesting that fear of pain affects emotions and cognition.

Non-randomised trial, 2016

Does group cognitive-behavioral therapy help reduce PMS symptoms?

Yes, women who attended 8 sessions of therapy had significant improvements in psychological symptoms and less social problems from PMS (p=0.012).

Survey study, 2016

Does teaching women about PMS help reduce their symptoms?

Yes, in this study. Women who received an educational program showed increased knowledge about PMS and reduced symptom severity both immediately after and at three-month follow-up. However, the study lacked a comparison group, so natural improvement cannot be ruled out.

Survey study, 2016

How common is PMS and how much support do women get from their husbands?

79.5% of women had PMS, but only 12.6% received good support from their husbands during PMS and 16.3% during their period.

Survey study, 2015

How common is PMS in teenage school girls in an urban city in India?

54% of the teenage girls reported PMS symptoms, with irritability being the most common symptom (88.1%). Because this is a survey, it reflects what girls reported rather than clinical diagnosis.

Non-randomised trial, 2015

Does aerobic exercise reduce premenstrual syndrome symptoms?

Yes, aerobic exercise reduced PMS symptoms more than health education did. However, the study was small and short-term, so we cannot be completely sure it works for everyone.

Review, 2014

Do birth control pills help PMS?

Yes. Birth control pills can treat and prevent premenstrual syndrome according to this review, though the abstract does not provide specific details about the strength of benefit.

Survey study, 2014

How common are period pain and PMS in rural Indian school girls, and how much do they affect daily life?

More than half of the girls reported period pain (60.19%) and PMS (52.30%). These conditions significantly interfered with school attendance, concentration, exercise, household tasks, and social activities.

Survey study, 2014

How common is PMS in adolescent girls, and does education about PMS help reduce symptoms?

PMS affected 40.9% of urban girls and 51.6% of rural girls. Three months after an educational program, girls reported significant decreases in all PMS symptoms compared to before the program.

Interview study, 2014

What do men think about partners with PMS and how does it affect their behavior?

Men's views about PMS are shaped by seeing it as a medical problem rather than part of a normal cycle. This belief changes how couples relate to each other.

Study, 2014

Does combining medication and therapy help PMDD?

In one teenage girl with PMDD and anxiety, combining medication and therapy led to a good outcome. Combined treatment appeared to work better than either one alone.

Survey study, 2014

How common is PMS among university women and how does it affect their schooling?

37 percent of female students met diagnostic criteria for PMS. About 28 percent missed classes because of PMS, and most did not seek medical treatment.

Interview study, 2014

What PMS symptoms affect women's daily lives?

Women with premenstrual tension syndrome experience different combinations of physical and mental symptoms that interfere with daily activities. Better healthcare support and education can help.

Survey study, 2013

What lifestyle factors are linked to PMS in college women?

Family history of PMS, physical inactivity, coffee drinking, high body weight, fast food, and smoking are all linked to PMS. Together these factors explain about half of PMS cases.

Study, 2013

Do women with PMS experience more mental health symptoms?

Yes, the study found that women with PMS had connections to various mental health symptoms including depression, anxiety, anger, and others.

Survey study, 2011

Is academic stress linked to menstrual disorders in female students?

Yes. Women with academic stress have about 2 times the risk of menstrual disorders. PMS is one common disorder, affecting about one-third of those with any menstrual problem.

Interview study, 2011

How do teenage girls in Malaysia learn about and manage periods and PMS?

Many girls are not prepared for periods when they arrive, and both urban and rural girls manage PMS and period pain on their own without seeing a doctor.

Survey study, 2011

Does work stress and night shifts increase risk of PMS and PMDD?

Yes, women working night shifts had higher rates of PMS (56% vs 32%) and PMDD (22% vs 13%) compared to women without shift work, but we cannot prove the shifts caused these conditions.

Cohort study, 2010

How do anxiety disorders differ across different life stages?

The provided summary focuses on anxiety in children and risk factors. The section about women and hormones is cut off in the provided text, so no conclusion about menstrual-related anxiety can be drawn.

Review, 2010

Does the menstrual cycle make mental and physical health problems worse?

Yes. Many medical and mental health conditions get worse at specific phases of the menstrual cycle, particularly during the luteal phase when premenstrual dysphoric disorder (a severe form of PMS) and depression commonly occur.

Survey study, 2010

How common is PMDD among medical students in Nigeria?

36.1% of medical students had PMDD. Menstrual pain was significantly linked to PMDD.

Survey study, 2010

How does menstruation affect teenage girls with cerebral palsy and their families?

Period problems are just as common in girls with cerebral palsy as in other girls. Most girls are happy with how periods affect their social life, but parents of girls with more severe cerebral palsy are more anxious and more likely to seek advice.

Study, 2010

Should doctors ask women about how their menstrual cycle affects their emotions and behavior?

Yes. Many women experience different feelings and ways of being during different times of their menstrual cycle, but this has been largely ignored by mental health professionals. Asking women about their menstrual experience can help them understand and accept themselves.

Survey study, 2009

What are normal menstrual patterns in adolescent girls in Ethiopia?

The median age of first period was 14.8 years, with 70% having cycles of 21-35 days. However, 75% had premenstrual symptoms and 72% had painful periods.

Review, 2009

How should PMS and PMDD be managed clinically?

Treatment protocols for PMS are not standardized. Individualized care with psychotherapy appears important, though evidence is still developing.

Survey study, 2008

How common are menstrual problems in teenage girls and how much do they affect daily life?

Very common: 67.2% had painful periods, 63.1% had PMS symptoms, and 60% had daily routines disrupted. A quarter missed work and 17.24% missed school because of symptoms.

Study, 2008

Should we understand PMDD only as a medical illness, or also consider gender and social factors?

The authors argue that understanding PMDD requires looking beyond just the medical view to include gender and social science perspectives, which helps us understand women's experiences more fully.

Randomised trial, 2006

Does a brief consultation with a counselor help more than self-help materials alone for PMS?

Both helped reduce anxiety and life interference from PMS, but women who had a brief consultation with a counselor reported broader improvements, including less depression and better coping skills, though symptoms did not completely go away.

Non-randomised trial, 2006

Does PMS nutrition education help college students with PMS?

Students who received 8 weeks of nutrition education showed significant increases in PMS knowledge and self health behavior compared to control students.

Randomised trial, 2005

Can estrogen treat depression linked to hormonal changes?

Estrogen affects mood through brain chemistry, but there is not enough evidence to recommend it as a main treatment. SSRIs (a type of antidepressant) remain the standard choice.

Study, 2005

What are the treatment options for premenstrual disorders?

Yes, there are several approaches. Women can try lifestyle changes, diet changes, stress management, or medications. The best approach for each person depends on her individual needs.

Review, 2005

Can a levonorgestrel IUD help with gynecological problems?

A levonorgestrel IUD is used for various gynecological conditions. Some women stop using it due to breakthrough bleeding, but counseling can help them continue.

Survey study, 2005

How does trauma history affect PMDD symptoms and pregnancy?

Women with PMDD who experienced trauma show different body reactions to stress and may experience symptom changes during pregnancy. These findings come from reviewing existing published research rather than new studies.

Study, 2004

Can extending birth control pills help with period symptoms like pain and headaches?

Yes. Most women who tried extending their birth control pills continued using this approach, with 67% still using the extended regimen at their last follow-up visit.

Survey study, 2003

How common is PMS and what factors are associated with it in college-aged women in Saudi Arabia?

96.6% experienced at least one premenstrual symptom and 37.5% had high severity. Risk factors included maternal history of PMS, perceived mental stress, physical inactivity, and consuming sweet foods and coffee, though these explained only 14% of symptom variation.

Study, 2002

What causes PMS and how is it treated?

The exact cause of PMS is not known, but it is linked to changes in brain chemicals like serotonin and to how the body handles sex hormones. Because the cause is unclear, treatment is tailored to each person's main symptoms rather than following one fixed approach.

Study, 2002

Does an educational program help women with PMS?

The study proposed testing whether an educational program could help women with PMS reduce their symptoms. No actual results are reported.

Review, 2002

How did PMS and PMDD become recognized as medical conditions?

Historical, cultural, political, and economic forces shaped the diagnosis of PMS and PMDD, which became popular among doctors, the public, and women. These diagnostic labels can be helpful but also harmful to women.

Interview study, 2002

How do women actually experience and talk about PMS compared to public discussion?

Women's private experience of PMS is very different from public discussion. Men and media often talk negatively about PMS, but women's own experiences are often less severe. Many women think PMS is important to discuss, but they rarely talk about their own PMS.

Survey study, 2001

Do women with PMS eat differently before their period?

Yes. Women with PMS ate significantly more food before their period than after, especially sugary foods and desserts. Women without PMS showed a much smaller increase in food intake.

Survey study, 2001

How common is premenstrual dysphoric disorder and how is it related to other psychiatric conditions?

About 75-85% of women report some premenstrual symptoms, but only 10-15% seek care and 2-5% experience serious disruption to work or social life. PMS may worsen other psychiatric conditions.

Review, 2000

What causes premenstrual syndrome and how is it treated?

PMS is caused by an abnormal brain response to hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle. Treatment depends on severity and symptoms, ranging from lifestyle changes to medications that increase serotonin and norepinephrine or suppress hormonal changes.

Review, 1999

Are SSRIs effective for treating PMDD?

Yes, SSRIs are effective in treating PMDD and many related conditions in women, according to this review of depression treatment.

Survey study, 1999

Does education about PMS help reduce symptoms in teenage girls?

Yes. Girls who received education about PMS reported significantly lower symptom scores 3 months later, while girls in the control group showed no change.

Non-randomised trial, 1999

Can changing how women think about their cycle reduce PMS symptoms?

Women who attended support groups with positive messages about the menstrual cycle reported fewer negative symptoms than a comparison group. This wasn't a randomized trial, so we cannot be certain the reframing itself caused the improvement.

Survey study, 1998

Does the menstrual cycle affect asthma, and is it related to stress?

The study suggests asthma may worsen around menstruation when stress resistance is low, but the evidence is unclear and limited.

Study, 1998

Can PMDD be treated, and what helps?

Yes. This paper states that PMDD is a biological condition that responds to biological treatments, and women can see real improvement with the right care.

Survey study, 1997

How are anxiety symptoms and anxiety disorders linked to PMDD?

PMDD appears linked to anxiety disorders. Women with PMDD often have anxiety histories, and treatments that work for anxiety also help PMDD, though this is a review of existing research rather than new original findings.

Survey study, 1997

How is premenstrual dysphoric disorder treated?

Multiple treatments help PMDD, including antidepressants (particularly SSRIs), psychotherapy, sleep deprivation, and light therapy. SSRIs showed the best results among medications.

Interview study, 1997

Is PMDD different from PMS, and what causes it?

PMDD is a more specific diagnosis than PMS. It involves low serotonin and melatonin in the brain, and antidepressant SSRIs reduce symptoms according to rigorous studies.

Review, 1997

Is PMS classified as a mood disorder?

Yes, PMS is listed as one of the common mood disorders seen in women in primary care, along with depression and other conditions.

Survey study, 1996

Do women with alcohol dependence drink more during the premenstrual phase?

Yes, about one-third of women with alcohol dependence drank more premenstrually than at other times of the month. This finding is based on a small study, so we cannot be very certain about it.

Study, 1996

How is premenstrual syndrome presented in magazines and self-help books?

Women's personal stories about premenstrual symptoms are prominently used in magazines and self-help books to establish PMS as a medical disease. These stories reflect assumptions about what is normal for women's bodies and health.

Case-control study, 1994

Does cognitive-behavioral coping skills training reduce premenstrual symptoms?

Yes. Women who received coping skills training showed clear reductions in premenstrual symptoms and negative thinking right after treatment and at 9-month follow-up.

Study, 1994

Does counselling and advice help women with PMS?

A sympathetic approach with counselling, practical advice and reassurance can help many women tackle their symptoms before they become more severe.

Survey study, 1994

What are normal menstrual patterns in teenage girls?

Most had normal cycles. About 20% reported severe PMS and 17.2% had severe period pain.

Survey study, 1992

Do women with more premenstrual symptoms have unhelpful thinking patterns?

Women reporting more premenstrual symptoms had higher scores on the 'need for comfort' thinking pattern, indicating they struggled more with stress. We don't know if unhelpful thinking causes symptoms or symptoms cause unhelpful thinking.

Survey study, 1992

What health problems and life situations link to worse PMS symptoms?

Yes, the study found 14 connections between how severe PMS symptoms are and various factors including health problems, medications, psychiatric history, and life stress.

Randomised trial, 1991

Does cognitive-behavioral therapy work better than medication or relaxation for PMS?

Yes. Cognitive-behavioral therapy showed significant improvement after the first month that continued throughout and persisted at 3-month follow-up. Medication and relaxation showed quick improvement that faded after 2 months.

Survey study, 1991

What is the best treatment for PMS?

No single medication works for everyone. Treatment works best when combined approaches including diet, exercise, stress management, and sometimes medication are matched to each woman's specific symptoms.

Case report, 1991

How are depression, chronic fatigue, and PMS related and treated?

Depression, chronic fatigue, and PMS often happen together in women seeking treatment. Doctors can diagnose these conditions by tracking symptoms for two menstrual cycles and doing exams and tests. Treatment with diet, hormones, or antidepressants can help many women.

Review, 1991

What treatments are available for late luteal phase dysphoric disorder?

Many treatments exist, including medications, vitamins, and hormones. However, non-drug approaches like diet, exercise, and psychotherapy have received less research attention.

Survey study, 1989

Are premenstrual symptoms as common as period pain in teenage girls?

Premenstrual symptoms are very common in teenage girls (86%), as common as period pain (91%). Most girls don't know what causes these symptoms or how to treat them.

Study, 1989

How do men respond to their partners' PMS symptoms?

Men use a variety of coping strategies when their partners have PMS symptoms. Some of these strategies might be improved with support from healthcare providers, but the study does not describe which strategies worked best.

Study, 1989

Does PMS affect how women perform at work?

We don't know yet. Very few studies have examined whether PMS affects work behavior.

Survey study, 1989

What is the difference between premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea?

They are different conditions that occur at different times in the menstrual cycle and require different treatments.

Review, 1989

What treatments help with premenstrual syndrome?

Doctors use several types of medication, behavioral methods, and counseling. This article reviews what treatments existed in 1989 but does not test whether they work.

Survey study, 1989

Does exercise, rest, or vitamin B6 help PMS symptoms?

Yes. Exercise, rest, and keeping a symptom diary helped over 80% of women who tried them.

Survey study, 1988

How common are premenstrual symptoms and do they interfere with daily life?

Premenstrual symptoms are very common (87% lifetime prevalence), but most are mild to moderate. Only 3.2% report severe symptoms, and few women report that symptoms interfere significantly with work.

Study, 1988

Can PMS be linked to mental health problems?

PMS may be connected to psychiatric disorders. Better understanding of how they are linked could help with treating both conditions.

Non-randomised trial, 1987

Does a support group help women with PMS feel better about themselves?

The study could not prove that support groups change self-esteem. However, all women in the support group said they felt helped.

Study, 1986

What progress have researchers made in understanding PMS?

Researchers are making progress in defining and diagnosing PMS, but many important questions remain about whether PMS is one condition or many, and how it relates to mental health conditions.

Non-randomised trial, 1986

Does what a woman is told about PMS change how severe her symptoms feel?

Women told PMS comes from societal myths reported less negative mood and fewer symptoms compared to other groups. All women actually showed better task persistence and more positive interactions with their children during the premenstrual phase compared to mid-cycle.

Review, 1985

What medical treatments are proven effective for PMS?

There is no clear evidence that any single medical treatment is definitively effective for PMS, though psychological approaches may also be worth considering.

Survey study, 1985

What is premenstrual syndrome and how is it treated?

Premenstrual syndrome is a collection of physical and emotional symptoms that affect 5 to 20 percent of menstruating women. Treatment options include lifestyle changes, counseling, medication, and birth control pills, and satisfaction with treatment is commonly achievable.

Survey study, 1985

What did doctors know about PMS diagnosis and treatment in 1985?

There was no agreement on how to diagnose PMS or what to treat it with, though doctors recognized a link between PMS and mood disorders like depression.

Non-randomised trial, 1985

What are the treatments for premenstrual symptoms?

As of 1985, PMS causes were unknown and controlled studies had failed to confirm proposed theories. This paper reviews treatment approaches and offers clinical management suggestions.

Survey study, 1984

What did researchers in the 1980s understand about how the menstrual cycle affects mood?

This older review says many women notice mood changes across their cycle, and the researchers' own work found hormone disturbances and psychological difficulties in women with premenstrual syndrome, but the condition was still poorly understood and under-researched.

Survey study, 1983

Do the treatments doctors use for premenstrual tension actually work?

Doctors have tried many treatments for PMS including hormones, vitamins, and psychotherapy, but the results are mixed and conflicting. Without understanding the cause of PMS, there is no single universally accepted effective treatment.

Review, 1982

What treatments work for premenstrual syndrome?

No single treatment works for all women. Many different drugs have been tested but show inconsistent results. About 50% of improvement appears to be placebo effect.

Cohort study, 1981

What causes nipple discharge in women with normal periods?

Nipple discharge may be caused by low thyroid hormone or high stress hormones and anxiety. These were found in different groups of women with this symptom.

Survey study, 1978

What beliefs do young people have about menstruation before and after it starts?

Young adolescents, even before their first period, believe menstruation brings physical discomfort, mood changes, and disrupted activities. These beliefs are largely negative and similar across pre-menarcheal girls, post-menarcheal girls, and boys.

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