---
title: How are PMS and PMDD diagnosed and treated? | Niyora
description: PMS and PMDD are diagnosed by tracking symptoms for at least two cycles and noting if they occur in the luteal phase. SSRIs are first-line treatment. Cognitiv
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/premenstrual-syndrome-and-premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder-common-questions-and-2025/
---

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- How are PMS and PMDD diagnosed and treated?

Survey study, 2025

# How are PMS and PMDD diagnosed and treated?

PMS and PMDD are diagnosed by tracking symptoms for at least two cycles and noting if they occur in the luteal phase. SSRIs are first-line treatment. Cognitive behavior therapy, exercise, acupuncture, and the herb Vitex agnus castus may also help.

 Moderate study design

Clinical guidance article (not a specific population studied)

## What they did

This clinical review article addresses common questions about how PMS and PMDD are diagnosed and treated in clinical practice.

## What they found

PMS is diagnosed clinically with symptoms in the luteal phase that resolve during or after menstruation. PMDD diagnosis requires symptoms that substantially interfere with work, school, social activities, or relationships. Symptom tracking for at least two cycles helps identify the cyclic pattern. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are first-line treatment with rapid improvement. Cognitive behavior therapy, exercise, acupuncture or acupressure, and Vitex agnus castus may help.

## What it means for you

Both PMS and PMDD can be diagnosed without blood tests, using only symptom tracking. Multiple treatment options exist. This is a clinical review summarizing evidence-based practice rather than new research findings, so it reflects current medical guidance.

≥2

cycles of symptom tracking for diagnosis

## About the study

Original title Premenstrual Syndrome and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder: Common Questions and Answers Authors Biggs WS, Romeu JM, Gaudard T Journal American family physician Year 2025 Study design Survey study What was tested SSRIs, cognitive behavior therapy, exercise, acupuncture or acupressure, Vitex agnus castus Read the paper [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40238977/](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40238977/)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[Cognition, concentration and memory](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-cognition/)[SSRIs and antidepressants](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-ssri/)[Cognitive behavioral therapy](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-cbt/)[Vitex agnus-castus (chasteberry)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-vitex/)[Acupuncture and acupressure](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-acupuncture/)

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

Review, 2017

What causes PMDD and what are the best treatments?

Review, 2015

What do we know about PMS and PMDD and how are they treated?

Review, 2016

How common are PMS and PMDD, and what are the best treatments?

Review, 2019

What causes PMDD and which treatments actually help?

Review, 2024

What are the most effective treatments for PMDD?

Systematic review, 2012

How effective are cognitive-behavioral therapy and antidepressants for PMS and PMDD?

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