---
title: What is premenstrual syndrome and how is it treated? | Niyora
description: Premenstrual syndrome is a collection of physical and emotional symptoms that affect 5 to 20 percent of menstruating women. Treatment options include lifestyl
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/premenstrual-syndrome-1985-9945a0/
---

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- What is premenstrual syndrome and how is it treated?

Survey study, 1985

# What is premenstrual syndrome and how is it treated?

Premenstrual syndrome is a collection of physical and emotional symptoms that affect 5 to 20 percent of menstruating women. Treatment options include lifestyle changes, counseling, medication, and birth control pills, and satisfaction with treatment is commonly achievable.

 Early or limited evidence

General information about menstruating women with premenstrual syndrome

## What they did

This is a clinical overview of premenstrual syndrome based on medical knowledge and practice. It describes how the condition should be identified and treated.

## What they found

Premenstrual syndrome affects 5 to 20 percent of all menstruating women. Physical symptoms include breast tenderness, bloating, and headache. Emotional and behavioral symptoms include irritability, hostility, and depression. Diagnosis is made by observing a clear pattern of symptoms before the menstrual period. Treatment options include reassurance and counseling about lifestyle and diet, medications such as diuretics and NSAIDs, possibly progesterone, and oral contraceptive therapy. Patient satisfaction is commonly achievable with patience and a thorough approach.

## What it means for you

Premenstrual syndrome is common and treatable with multiple options available. The right treatment often depends on individual symptoms and what works best for each woman.

5-20%

of menstruating women affected

## About the study

Original title Premenstrual syndrome Authors Levine EM, O'Connor T, Barton JJ Journal Comprehensive therapy Year 1985 Study design Survey study What was tested Treatment approaches including lifestyle changes, counseling, and various medications Read the paper [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/4040000/](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/4040000/)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Menstrual cycle and mood](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-cycle-mood/)[Irritability and anger](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-irritability-anger/)[Bloating, breast tenderness and physical symptoms](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-physical-symptoms/)[Oral contraceptives and drospirenone](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-hormonal-contraceptives/)[Psychotherapy, counselling and education](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-psychotherapy/)[Diuretics and other drugs](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-diuretics-other-drugs/)

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

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Cohort study, 2010

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Cohort study, 2006

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Non-randomised trial, 1983

Do drugs that block prostaglandins help PMS?

Randomised trial, 2014

Does the combination of sumatriptan and naproxen sodium reduce menstrual symptoms and migraine?

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