---
title: What causes PMDD and how is it treated? | Niyora
description: PMDD results from complex brain changes triggered by ovulation and involving the serotonin system. It can be successfully treated with SSRIs, low-dose clomipr
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/premenstrual-syndromes-1997-983fdb/
---

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- What causes PMDD and how is it treated?

Review, 1997

# What causes PMDD and how is it treated?

PMDD results from complex brain changes triggered by ovulation and involving the serotonin system. It can be successfully treated with SSRIs, low-dose clomipramine, or GnRH agonists combined with estrogen and progestin supplementation.

 Early or limited evidence

Women with PMS or PMDD

## What they did

A narrative review of PMS and PMDD research, focusing on diagnostic criteria and current treatment approaches.

## What they found

Clear diagnostic criteria for PMS and PMDD were established and refined with DSM-IV criteria. PMDD involves severe psychological symptoms. While the exact cause is still unknown, researchers believe PMDD results from complex events mediated partly by the serotonin system and triggered by ovulation. Women with PMDD can be treated successfully with low-dose clomipramine, SSRIs, or GnRH agonists with estrogen and progestin add back.

## What it means for you

PMDD and PMS are distinct conditions requiring different treatment approaches. The exact biological cause remains unknown, and this is a narrative review rather than new research, so the mechanism still needs further investigation.

## About the study

Original title Premenstrual syndromes Authors Korzekwa MI, Steiner M Journal Clinical obstetrics and gynecology Year 1997 Study design Review What was tested Conservative treatment, clomipramine, SSRIs, GnRH agonists, estrogen and progestin supplementation Read the paper [doi.org/10.1097/00003081-199709000-00017](https://doi.org/10.1097/00003081-199709000-00017)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[SSRIs and antidepressants](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-ssri/)[GnRH agonists and ovarian suppression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-gnrh/)

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Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor.

## Related studies

Systematic review, 2024

What are the best treatments for PMDD and PMS?

Guideline, 2023

How are GnRH agonists used to treat PMDD that doesn't respond to standard medications?

Review, 2022

What causes severe PMS and what treatments work?

Systematic review, 2022

What are the best treatments for PMDD and PMS?

Review, 2018

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

Review, 2015

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

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