---
title: What is the difference between PMS and PMDD, and how should they be treated?
description: PMDD is a severe condition distinct from PMS that can be diagnosed using standardized criteria and daily symptom tracking for at least two menstrual cycles. T
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/premenstrual-syndromes-1997-58ac3b/
---

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- What is the difference between PMS and PMDD, and how should they be treated?

Randomised trial, 1997

# What is the difference between PMS and PMDD, and how should they be treated?

PMDD is a severe condition distinct from PMS that can be diagnosed using standardized criteria and daily symptom tracking for at least two menstrual cycles. Treatment options include lifestyle changes, SSRIs, or surgeries that stop ovulation, all proven effective in randomized trials.

 Strong study design

Women with PMDD characterized by irritability, tension, depression, and mood changes that interfere with daily life.

## What they did

This is a review article that summarizes research on PMS, PMDD, and treatment options based on existing published studies.

## What they found

Randomized, placebo-controlled trials show that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and medical or surgical removal of the ovaries are effective for PMDD. Treatment works by either eliminating the hormonal trigger from ovulation or by changing how the serotonin system responds.

## What it means for you

PMDD is a real, diagnosable medical condition separate from ordinary PMS with proven treatments available. The main limitation is that this summarizes other studies rather than presenting new original research.

2

menstrual cycles required for diagnosis

## About the study

Original title Premenstrual syndromes Authors Steiner M Journal Annual review of medicine Year 1997 Study design Randomised trial What was tested SSRIs, lifestyle and stress management, hormonal medications, or surgical removal of the ovaries. Read the paper [doi.org/10.1146/annurev.med.48.1.447](https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.med.48.1.447)

## 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/)[SSRIs and antidepressants](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-ssri/)[GnRH agonists and ovarian suppression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-gnrh/)[Surgical menopause](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-surgery/)

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, 2018

What are the most effective treatments for premenstrual syndrome and PMDD?

Review, 2004

What is PMDD and how is it treated?

Review, 2004

How should doctors diagnose and treat PMS and PMDD?

Review, 2002

What treatments work best for PMS and PMDD?

Review, 2012

Is depression linked to hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause?

Randomised trial, 2006

Do different types of PMS symptoms respond better to different medicines?

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