Review, 2016
How common are PMS and PMDD, and what are the best treatments?
Up to 12% of women are affected by premenstrual disorders that significantly affect their lives. SSRIs are the most evidence-based treatment; oral contraceptives and calcium may also help, but vitamin D and herbal remedies have weak evidence.
What they did
This was a clinical review describing the differences between premenstrual syndrome and PMDD, how to diagnose them, and what treatments work based on available evidence.
What they found
Up to 12% of women are affected by premenstrual disorders. Symptoms are psychological and physical, occur during the luteal phase, and resolve after menstruation. Patient-recorded symptom tracking helps establish the cyclical pattern that distinguishes these conditions from other psychiatric or physical disorders. Select serotonergic antidepressants (SSRIs) are first-line treatments and can be used continuously or only during the luteal phase. Oral contraceptives and calcium supplements may also help. Vitamin D, herbal remedies, and acupuncture have insufficient evidence, though cognitive behavior therapy has data suggesting benefit.
What it means for you
About 1 in 8 women have significant premenstrual symptoms that affect their lives. SSRIs are the most proven treatment. Some women respond to other approaches like calcium and oral contraceptives. Many popular remedies like vitamin D and herbal supplements lack good evidence. This is a clinical review summarizing existing knowledge rather than new research.
up to 12%
Women affected by premenstrual disorders
About the study
- Original title
- Premenstrual Syndrome and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
- Authors
- Hofmeister S, Bodden S
- Journal
- American family physician
- Year
- 2016
- Study design
- Review
- What was tested
- None; clinical review of treatment options
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1891/9780826195197.0143
Topics
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