Cohort study, 2024
Do SSRIs or birth control pills work better for moderate to severe PMS?
Both SSRIs and combined oral contraceptive pills significantly improved symptoms. SSRIs were slightly better for psychological symptoms, but both treatments worked similarly overall.
What they did
Prospective cohort study of 150 women, divided equally between two groups: 75 took SSRIs and 75 took combined oral contraceptive pills. Researchers compared how well each drug reduced psychological and physical PMS symptoms.
What they found
Both groups improved significantly from moderate-to-severe symptoms to none-to-mild. SSRIs showed slight superiority for psychological symptoms specifically.
What it means for you
Both SSRIs and birth control pills effectively treat moderate to severe PMS. SSRIs may be slightly better for mood-related symptoms. However, there was no placebo control group for comparison.
150
total women
75
women in each group
About the study
- Original title
- Comparison Between Combined Oral Contraceptive Pills and Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors in the Management of Moderate to Severe Premenstrual Syndrome
- Authors
- Ali Ahmad Aldos, Ahmad Ayman Yousef, Maisoon Dayoub
- Journal
- International Journal of Medical Science
- Year
- 2024
- Study design
- Cohort study
- Participants
- 150
- What was tested
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or combined oral contraceptive pills
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.14445/23939117/ijms-v11i3p108
Topics
Related studies
Systematic review, 2024
What are the best treatments for PMDD and PMS?
Review, 2024
What are the most effective treatments for PMDD?
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?
Cohort study, 2022
Can hormonal contraceptives or antidepressants reduce suicide risk in premenstrual disorders?
Randomised trial, 2020
Does adding fluoxetine to birth control pills help with severe PMS?