---
title: What causes PMS and how should it be treated? | Niyora
description: PMS is caused by ovulation and abnormal sensitivity to progesterone, possibly due to serotonin dysfunction. Treatment works best by stopping ovulation or usin
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/psychological-aspects-of-premenstrual-syndrome-2007/
---

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- What causes PMS and how should it be treated?

Review, 2007

# What causes PMS and how should it be treated?

PMS is caused by ovulation and abnormal sensitivity to progesterone, possibly due to serotonin dysfunction. Treatment works best by stopping ovulation or using medicines that reduce sensitivity to progesterone.

 Strong study design

Women with PMS (no specific number given).

## What they did

A review of research on the cause, symptoms, diagnosis, and evidence-based treatment of PMS.

## What they found

PMS occurs during the luteal phase after ovulation and stops by the end of menstruation. It appears caused by ovulation and enhanced sensitivity to progesterone, possibly due to serotonin dysfunction. Diagnosis uses prospective symptom rating charts to confirm symptoms are absent between the end of menstruation and ovulation. Treatment works by suppressing ovulation or using selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors to reduce progesterone sensitivity.

## What it means for you

PMS is tied to ovulation and the body's response to progesterone, not just the amount of progesterone. Serotonin appears involved. Medicines that increase serotonin or stop ovulation help. The main limit is this is a review of existing research, so conclusions depend on the quality and type of studies available.

## About the study

Original title Psychological aspects of premenstrual syndrome Authors Indusekhar R, Usman SB, O'Brien S Journal Best practice & research. Clinical obstetrics & gynaecology Year 2007 Study design Review What was tested Suppression of ovulation or selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor medicines. Read the paper [doi.org/10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2006.10.002](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2006.10.002)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)

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.

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Study, 2026

How do women with PMDD process emotions differently in their brains?

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