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Review, 2008

What hormonal treatments help PMS?

PMS appears to be caused by the body's sensitivity to progesterone after ovulation, though the exact cause is unknown. Treatment works by either stopping ovulation or reducing how sensitive the body is to progesterone.

Strong study design Review article, not a study of specific people.

What they did

Review article summarizing what is known about hormones and PMS treatment based on existing medical knowledge.

What they found

PMS is a physical and psychological disorder that happens during the second half of the menstrual cycle and stops once menstruation starts. The condition involves progesterone and changes in brain chemicals called neurotransmitters, but the exact mechanism is not fully understood.

What it means for you

This review explains current medical understanding of how hormones affect PMS and what treatments are used. It does not provide new research data, but shows what doctors currently know. The underlying causes of PMS remain incompletely understood.

About the study

Original title
Hormonal management of premenstrual syndrome
Authors
Usman SB, Indusekhar R, O'Brien S
Journal
Best practice & research. Clinical obstetrics & gynaecology
Year
2008
Study design
Review
What was tested
Not applicable - review article.

Topics