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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

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