---
title: What is premenstrual syndrome and how should it be treated? | Niyora
description: PMS affects up to 40% of women of childbearing age, with up to 10% having severe symptoms. First-line treatments include reducing salt, fat, caffeine and suga
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/premenstrual-syndrome-diagnosis-and-intervention-1998/
---

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- What is premenstrual syndrome and how should it be treated?

Review, 1998

# What is premenstrual syndrome and how should it be treated?

PMS affects up to 40% of women of childbearing age, with up to 10% having severe symptoms. First-line treatments include reducing salt, fat, caffeine and sugar intake, aerobic exercise, and stress reduction.

 Early or limited evidence

Women of childbearing age

## What they did

A narrative review article summarizing clinical knowledge about PMS diagnosis and treatment.

## What they found

Up to 40% of women of childbearing age experience some form of PMS, and up to 10% have severe signs and symptoms. At least four types of PMS exist. First-line treatments include a diet low in salt, fat, caffeine, and sugar, an aerobic exercise regimen, and stress reduction through lifestyle changes.

## What it means for you

PMS is a common condition affecting many women, and lifestyle approaches are the recommended first step in treatment. The main limitation is that this is a narrative review from 1998, so it reflects medical knowledge at that time.

40%

Women of childbearing age with some form of PMS

10%

Women with severe PMS

4

Types of PMS

## About the study

Original title Premenstrual syndrome: diagnosis and intervention Authors Ugarriza DN, Klingner S, O'Brien S Journal The Nurse practitioner Year 1998 Study design Review What was tested Diet changes, aerobic exercise, stress reduction Read the paper [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9778669/](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9778669/)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Dysmenorrhea and period pain](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-dysmenorrhea/)[Exercise and yoga](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-exercise/)[Diet and nutrition](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-diet/)[Thyroid disorders](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-thyroid/)[Relationships and partners](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-relationships/)

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, 1998

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Cohort study, 2026

Do sleep, exercise, and diet quality affect period pain, heavy bleeding, and PMS in midlife?

Systematic review, 2025

How common are PMS, PMDD, and painful periods in nursing students, and do they affect their schooling?

Cohort study, 2026

Are diet and lifestyle linked to premenstrual symptoms in college students?

Survey study, 2024

Does diet affect menstrual disorders including PMS?

Study, 2024

How do lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, and stress affect menstrual health and PMS?

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