Review, 2002
How is PMDD diagnosed?
PMDD is diagnosed by a pattern of symptoms that occur in the late luteal phase and go away after menstruation starts. It is likely caused by sensitivity to normal hormone changes, not abnormal hormone levels. SSRIs are the recommended treatment.
What they did
Clinical review article describing diagnostic criteria and treatment approaches for PMDD, summarizing current understanding of the condition's causes and evidence-based treatment options.
What they found
Up to 75% of women report some premenstrual symptoms, but less than 10% have severe enough symptoms for a PMDD diagnosis. A key to diagnosis is establishing a pattern of symptoms that recur during the late luteal phase and remit after menses. Serotonin depletion is the leading hypothesis. GABA, endogenous opiates, allopregnanolone, and vitamins may also play roles. Oral contraceptives and supplementary progesterone or estrogen have not been effective.
What it means for you
PMDD is much rarer than mild premenstrual symptoms. Most women have some symptoms, but less than 1 in 10 have the severe form. This is expert opinion rather than new research, and the full biological picture is still being understood.
75%
of women report some premenstrual symptoms
less than 10%
have severe enough symptoms for PMDD
About the study
- Original title
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder. A guide for the treating clinician
- Authors
- Elliott H
- Journal
- North Carolina medical journal
- Year
- 2002
- Study design
- Review
- What was tested
- SSRI antidepressants, oral contraceptives, supplementary hormones
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.18043/ncm.63.2.72
Topics
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