---
title: What are the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of PMS and PMDD?
description: PMS and PMDD are diagnosable conditions with clear criteria that respond to treatment. Doctors track symptoms for two months to diagnose them, and effective t
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/pms-and-pmdd-2013/
---

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- What are the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of PMS and PMDD?

Review, 2013

# What are the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of PMS and PMDD?

PMS and PMDD are diagnosable conditions with clear criteria that respond to treatment. Doctors track symptoms for two months to diagnose them, and effective treatments include medications that suppress ovulation or a class of antidepressants called SSRIs.

 Strong study design

Review article - not a primary study

## What they did

This is a literature review summarizing what is known about PMS and PMDD, including their symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.

## What they found

Symptoms of PMS and PMDD occur in the late luteal phase and significantly impair daily functioning. A symptom-free interval must exist between the end of menstruation and ovulation. A two-month daily rating of symptoms is required for diagnosis. Premenstrual disorders do not occur without ovulation. Hormonal therapy suppressing ovulation and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are effective treatments. PMS and PMDD can be successfully managed in general practice.

## What it means for you

PMS and PMDD are real conditions that doctors in routine care can diagnose and treat effectively. Since the underlying cause is not well known, treatment focuses on managing symptoms rather than addressing a root cause.

2

months of daily symptom tracking required for diagnosis

## About the study

Original title [PMS and PMDD] Authors Leminen H, Paavonen J Journal Duodecim; laaketieteellinen aikakauskirja Year 2013 Study design Review What was tested Review article Read the paper [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24159708/](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24159708/)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[SSRIs and antidepressants](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-ssri/)

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, 2026

How well do SSRIs treat PMS?

Systematic review, 2024

What are the best treatments for PMDD and PMS?

Review, 2024

What are the most effective treatments for PMDD?

Systematic review, 2024

Do SSRI antidepressants help treat PMS and PMDD?

Randomised trial, 2023

Does taking sertraline when PMDD symptoms start improve how well women function?

Guideline, 2023

How are GnRH agonists used to treat PMDD that doesn't respond to standard medications?

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