---
title: Are there new drug treatments for PMDD besides SSRIs? | Niyora
description: Yes. A new class of drugs called selective progesterone receptor modulators, specifically ulipristal acetate, significantly reduced PMDD mental symptoms compa
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/new-pharmacological-approaches-to-the-management-of-premenstrual-dysphoric-2023/
---

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- Are there new drug treatments for PMDD besides SSRIs?

Randomised trial, 2023

# Are there new drug treatments for PMDD besides SSRIs?

Yes. A new class of drugs called selective progesterone receptor modulators, specifically ulipristal acetate, significantly reduced PMDD mental symptoms compared to placebo with minimal side effects. More research is needed on long-term safety.

 Early or limited evidence

General review of PMDD treatment approaches across multiple studies

## What they did

This review article examined current and new drug treatments for PMDD. The authors discussed how SSRIs work, the role of sex hormone changes in PMDD, and how newer drugs approach the problem differently by modifying hormone effects rather than regulating serotonin.

## What they found

SSRIs help many but not all people with PMDD. Ulipristal acetate, a selective progesterone receptor modulator, was compared to placebo in a randomized controlled trial and showed clinically significant reduction in PMDD mental symptoms with negligible side effects. The treatment produced stable, low progesterone levels.

## What it means for you

New hormone-targeting approaches may help women with PMDD who don't respond to SSRIs. SPRM trial results are promising and bring us closer to understanding PMDD. However, larger and longer studies are needed on long-term safety and practicality for women of reproductive age. This remains exploratory, not yet a proven SSRI alternative.

5%

of women affected by PMDD

SPRM drug tested

ulipristal acetate

Negligible

side effects with treatment

## About the study

Original title New Pharmacological Approaches to the Management of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder Authors Sundström-Poromaa I, Comasco E Journal CNS drugs Year 2023 Study design Randomised trial Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.1007/s40263-023-01004-9](https://doi.org/10.1007/s40263-023-01004-9)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[Menstrual cycle and mood](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-cycle-mood/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[SSRIs and antidepressants](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-ssri/)[Estradiol, progesterone and hormone therapy](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-hormone-therapy/)

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

Review, 1999

Is premenstrual dysphoric disorder a distinct clinical disorder?

Case report, 2023

Can stopping ovulation help severe PMDD when other treatments do not work?

Study, 2022

Why do women get PMS and PMDD?

Systematic review, 2024

What are the best treatments for PMDD and PMS?

Systematic review, 2022

What are the best treatments for PMDD and PMS?

Survey study, 2022

What causes PMS and PMDD and what new treatments are being studied?

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