---
title: What causes PMS symptoms and how should it be treated? | Niyora
description: The four days before a period are when most PMS happens, causing irritability, depression, anxiety and fatigue. Treatments include vitamin B6, antidepressants
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/premenstrual-syndrome-a-psychological-overview-1983/
---

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- What causes PMS symptoms and how should it be treated?

Review, 1983

# What causes PMS symptoms and how should it be treated?

The four days before a period are when most PMS happens, causing irritability, depression, anxiety and fatigue. Treatments include vitamin B6, antidepressants, anti-anxiety medication and therapy, though evidence is mixed.

 Moderate study design

Literature review; not a specific study group

## What they did

Review of medical literature on PMS from historical and psychological perspectives, examining symptoms, theories about causes and available treatments.

## What they found

The premenstruum (four days before menstruation) is a high-risk time for psychological and physical symptoms including irritability, aggression, tension, anxiety, depression, lethargy, insomnia, poor coordination and concentration. People with existing mental health conditions worsen at this time. No complete explanation for why these symptoms happen has been found. Possible treatments include vitamin B6 (though mixed results), antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications if needed, and ongoing psychotherapy for severe cases.

## What it means for you

PMS is a real psychological problem, not just physical, and women deserve treatment options. Several approaches exist but no single cause has been identified. Main limit: this is an older review from 1983, so newer treatments may be available.

4

days before menstruation when PMS is high-risk

## About the study

Original title Premenstrual syndrome: a psychological overview Authors Riven L Journal Canadian family physician Medecin de famille canadien Year 1983 Study design Review What was tested None; literature review Open access Yes Read the paper [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21283430/](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21283430/)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[Anxiety and tension](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-anxiety/)[Irritability and anger](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-irritability-anger/)[SSRIs and antidepressants](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-ssri/)[Psychotherapy, counselling and education](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-psychotherapy/)[Vitamin B6](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-vitamin-b6/)[Anxiolytics and other psychotropics](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-anxiolytics/)

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

Cohort study, 2010

How do anxiety disorders differ across different life stages?

Survey study, 2001

How common is premenstrual dysphoric disorder and how is it related to other psychiatric conditions?

Review, 1990

Is buspirone an effective treatment for anxiety?

Survey study, 1997

How are anxiety symptoms and anxiety disorders linked to PMDD?

Review, 1991

What treatments are available for late luteal phase dysphoric disorder?

Review, 2003

How do menstrual cycle hormones affect the brain and cause mood disorders like PMDD?

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