---
title: What causes PMDD and what are the best treatments? | Niyora
description: PMDD involves an abnormal response to normal hormone changes affecting the serotonin system and brain circuits that control emotion. SSRIs are the first-line
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder-2017/
---

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- What causes PMDD and what are the best treatments?

Review, 2017

# What causes PMDD and what are the best treatments?

PMDD involves an abnormal response to normal hormone changes affecting the serotonin system and brain circuits that control emotion. SSRIs are the first-line treatment, with several other options available.

 Strong study design

Women with PMDD (review article)

## What they did

Researchers reviewed the scientific evidence on what causes PMDD and what treatments work best.

## What they found

Women with PMDD have a differential response to normal hormonal fluctuations, possibly involving the serotonin system, altered sensitivity of the GABA receptor to allopregnanolone, and altered brain circuits for emotion and cognition. Serotonin reuptake inhibitors are the first-line treatment. Second-line options include drospirenone-containing contraceptives, other ovulation suppression methods, calcium, chasteberry, and cognitive-behavioral therapy.

## What it means for you

This shows PMDD is a biological condition involving multiple systems in the body and brain. Treatments exist, though underlying mechanisms are still being studied.

## About the study

Original title Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder Authors Lanza di Scalea T, Pearlstein T Journal The Psychiatric clinics of North America Year 2017 Study design Review What was tested Not applicable (review of treatments) Read the paper [doi.org/10.1016/j.psc.2017.01.002](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psc.2017.01.002)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[Cognition, concentration and memory](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-cognition/)[SSRIs and antidepressants](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-ssri/)[Oral contraceptives and drospirenone](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-hormonal-contraceptives/)[Neurosteroids (allopregnanolone)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-neurosteroids/)[Cognitive behavioral therapy](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-cbt/)[Calcium](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-calcium/)[Vitex agnus-castus (chasteberry)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-vitex/)

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, 2019

What causes PMDD and which treatments actually help?

Study, 2008

How common is PMDD and how does it affect women's lives?

Review, 2015

What do we know about PMS and PMDD and how are they treated?

Review, 2016

How common are PMS and PMDD, and what are the best treatments?

Review, 2024

What are the most effective treatments for PMDD?

Review, 2011

What are PMS and PMDD, and how common are they?

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