Study, 2014
What are the symptoms and causes of PMS and PMDD?
PMS involves physical and emotional symptoms before menstruation that resolve at the start. Over 40% experience emotional symptoms like irritability and tension, plus physical symptoms like breast tenderness and fatigue. PMDD is the most severe form.
What they did
This describes what PMS and PMDD are, how common they are, and what scientists think causes them.
What they found
Emotional symptoms include irritability, tension, and mood swings. Physical symptoms include breast tenderness, fatigue, and abdominal bloating. These happen in the luteal phase (the time after ovulation, before menstruation) and stop quickly when menstruation starts or within a few days. Scientists believe the cause involves sex hormones and brain chemicals called GABA and serotonin, but the exact mechanism is not yet known. Treatment options include non-drug approaches and medications, with serotonin reuptake inhibitors as the first-line drug treatment.
What it means for you
This shows that PMS affects a large number of women and likely involves hormone and brain chemistry changes. However, the exact cause is still being researched. The positive news is that several treatment options exist.
40%
women with emotional and physical PMS symptoms
About the study
- Original title
- [Premenstrual syndrome and dysphoric premenstrual syndrome]
- Authors
- Alba P, Rodríguez C
- Journal
- Vertex (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
- Year
- 2014
- Study design
- Study
- Read the paper
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25545084/
Topics
Related studies
Systematic review, 2024
What are the best treatments for PMDD and PMS?
Systematic review, 2022
What are the best treatments for PMDD and PMS?
Review, 2015
What do we know about PMS and PMDD and how are they treated?
Systematic review, 2012
What medications work best for PMDD?
Review, 2009
What causes PMDD and what are the treatment options?
Review, 2008
What medications are FDA-approved for treating PMDD?