---
title: What causes premenstrual syndrome and PMDD, and how should they be treated?
description: Dysregulation of serotonin and GABA neurotransmitter systems combined with hormone changes causes these conditions. SSRIs, GnRH agonists, Yasmin birth control
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/making-gynecological-and-psychiatric-sense-out-of-premenstrual-pains-tension-and-2004/
---

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- What causes premenstrual syndrome and PMDD, and how should they be treated?

Interview study, 2004

# What causes premenstrual syndrome and PMDD, and how should they be treated?

Dysregulation of serotonin and GABA neurotransmitter systems combined with hormone changes causes these conditions. SSRIs, GnRH agonists, Yasmin birth control, cognitive-behavior therapy, lifestyle changes, and placebo all help.

 Early or limited evidence

Women worldwide with premenstrual syndrome and PMDD (literature review)

## What they did

Reviewed research papers published over 10 years (through 2003) by searching MEDLINE/PubMed and selected the latest and most relevant articles.

## What they found

Dysregulation of serotonin and GABA systems combined with abnormal hormone levels during the menstrual cycle cause PMS and PMDD. Multiple treatments are effective: SSRIs, GnRH agonists, Yasmin contraceptive pill, cognitive-behavior therapy, lifestyle changes, and placebo.

## What it means for you

These conditions stem from brain chemistry and hormone changes and respond to several treatments. This was a selective review rather than a systematic search, so not all studies may be included. More research is needed, especially in the Arabian Gulf region.

## About the study

Original title Making gynecological and psychiatric sense out of premenstrual pains, tension and dysphoria Authors Qureshi NA, Al-Habeeb TA Journal Saudi medical journal Year 2004 Study design Interview study What was tested Not applicable - literature review Read the paper [doi.org/10.15537/1658-3175.2432](https://doi.org/10.15537/1658-3175.2432)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[Dysmenorrhea and period pain](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-dysmenorrhea/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[Anxiety and tension](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-anxiety/)[Pain and headache](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-pain/)[Cognitive behavioral therapy](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-cbt/)

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.

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