---
title: Is premenstrual syndrome related to depression? | Niyora
description: The evidence suggests yes. Women with PMS are more likely to have had depression, and antidepressants help both conditions.
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/hormones-and-depression-what-are-the-facts-about-premenstrual-syndrome-menopause-1995/
---

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- Is premenstrual syndrome related to depression?

Survey study, 1995

# Is premenstrual syndrome related to depression?

The evidence suggests yes. Women with PMS are more likely to have had depression, and antidepressants help both conditions.

 Early or limited evidence

Review of existing literature (not a new study of people)

## What they did

Reviewed the diagnosis, frequency, cause, and treatment of PMS. Also examined the relationship between menopause and depression.

## What they found

Several findings suggest PMS and depression are linked: women with PMS have higher rates of prior depression, they share similar brain chemistry problems, and they respond to the same antidepressants. The link between menopause and depression is not as clear, although women already at risk for depression may experience more symptoms during the menopause transition.

## What it means for you

PMS and depression may be related through shared brain chemistry. However, this conclusion is based on a review of existing studies, not new research. Future studies should examine whether hormone treatments affect depression in menopausal women.

## About the study

Original title Hormones and depression: what are the facts about premenstrual syndrome, menopause, and hormone replacement therapy? Authors Pearlstein TB Journal American journal of obstetrics and gynecology Year 1995 Study design Survey study What was tested None Read the paper [doi.org/10.1016/0002-9378(95)90297-x](https://doi.org/10.1016/0002-9378(95)90297-x)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[Estradiol, progesterone and hormone therapy](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-hormone-therapy/)[Major depressive disorder](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-major-depression/)[Perimenopause and menopause](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-perimenopause/)[Relationships and partners](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-relationships/)

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

Lab study, 2018

How does depression affect menstrual function and fertility in women?

Cohort study, 1999

How common are depression symptoms in women in their late 30s and early 40s, and what predicts them?

Survey study, 2005

Does the menstrual cycle affect obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms?

Survey study, 2001

Do antidepressants work for PMDD?

Survey study, 2011

Is premenstrual syndrome related to major depression?

Cohort study, 2004

Do women with PMS have worse menopausal symptoms?

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