---
title: What causes PMDD and what are the best treatments? | Niyora
description: PMDD is caused by hormonal changes in estrogen and progesterone that lower serotonin levels. Antidepressants called SSRIs are the most effective treatment, wo
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/an-overviewof-the-pathophysiology-and-treatment-of-premenstrual-dysphoric-2022/
---

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- What causes PMDD and what are the best treatments?

Review, 2022

# What causes PMDD and what are the best treatments?

PMDD is caused by hormonal changes in estrogen and progesterone that lower serotonin levels. Antidepressants called SSRIs are the most effective treatment, working faster for PMDD than for depression, and women don't necessarily need to take them daily.

 Early or limited evidence

Not applicable - this is a literature review.

## What they did

Literature review examining the causes and treatments of PMDD, with focus on hormonal and serotonin mechanisms.

## What they found

PMDD involves cyclical changes in estrogen and progesterone causing drops in serotonin. SSRIs are the best treatment and work faster for PMDD than for major depression. Hormone therapies are secondary options. Diet and lifestyle changes may also help with symptom relief.

## What it means for you

SSRIs are an effective and relatively quick-acting treatment option for PMDD. This is a review article summarizing existing knowledge rather than a new research study.

## About the study

Original title AN OVERVIEWOF THE PATHOPHYSIOLOGY AND TREATMENT OF PREMENSTRUAL DYSPHORIC DISORDER Authors Pallavi Singh, A.Sowndarya Valli, J. Sujana et al. Journal Journal of Pharmaceutical Negative Results Year 2022 Study design Review What was tested Not applicable - literature review. Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.47750/pnr.2022.13.s09.203](https://doi.org/10.47750/pnr.2022.13.s09.203)

## Topics

[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[Menstrual cycle and mood](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-cycle-mood/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[Cognition, concentration and memory](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-cognition/)[SSRIs and antidepressants](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-ssri/)

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

Review, 2015

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

Survey study, 2026

Are PMS and PMDD the same condition or are they different?

Randomised trial, 2025

Does escitalopram improve attention and reduce impulsivity in women with premenstrual irritability and anger?

Cohort study, 2022

What are PMS and PMDD and how should they be diagnosed and treated?

Non-randomised trial, 2008

Do mood, memory, and food cravings worsen during the luteal phase in women with PMDD?

Study, 2024

Can fluoxetine help someone with both bulimia and PMDD?

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