---
title: What causes severe PMS and what treatments work? | Niyora
description: Severe PMS is caused by hormone changes and brain chemistry problems. Treatments that stop ovulation with hormones or increase serotonin with SSRIs both reduc
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/an-overview-on-premenstrual-syndrome-2022/
---

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- What causes severe PMS and what treatments work?

Review, 2022

# What causes severe PMS and what treatments work?

Severe PMS is caused by hormone changes and brain chemistry problems. Treatments that stop ovulation with hormones or increase serotonin with SSRIs both reduce symptoms.

 Strong study design

Not applicable (systematic review)

## What they did

Reviewed research on severe PMS symptoms, their causes, and available treatments.

## What they found

Severe PMS affects 5-8% of women, and the majority with severe PMS also match the criteria for PMDD. The most bothersome symptoms affect mood and behavior, including irritability, tension, depression, weepiness, and mood swings, though physical symptoms like breast soreness and bloating also occur. Treatments that stop ovarian cyclicity using GnRH analogues or estradiol patches or implants successfully reduce symptoms. Serotonin reuptake inhibitors are also helpful, whether used continuously or just during the luteal phase.

## What it means for you

Severe PMS has two main treatment approaches targeting different causes: hormonal and brain chemistry. Understanding which cause applies to you can help guide treatment choices. This is a review of existing research.

5-8%

women with severe PMS

## About the study

Original title AN OVERVIEW ON PREMENSTRUAL SYNDROME Authors Mrs. Deepa. H. S, Sherene G Edwin Journal IDC International Journal Year 2022 Study design Review What was tested Hormonal treatments and serotonin reuptake inhibitors Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.47211/idcij.2022.v09i04.010](https://doi.org/10.47211/idcij.2022.v09i04.010)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[SSRIs and antidepressants](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-ssri/)[GnRH agonists and ovarian suppression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-gnrh/)

Research tells you what helps on average. Niyora helps on the day it hits.

Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor.

## Related studies

Systematic review, 2024

What are the best treatments for PMDD and PMS?

Guideline, 2023

How are GnRH agonists used to treat PMDD that doesn't respond to standard medications?

Systematic review, 2022

What are the best treatments for PMDD and PMS?

Review, 2018

What are the most effective treatments for premenstrual syndrome and PMDD?

Review, 2015

What do we know about PMS and PMDD and how are they treated?

Review, 2008

What medications are FDA-approved for treating PMDD?

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