---
title: Are SSRIs effective for treating PMS? | Niyora
description: SSRIs reduced PMS symptoms significantly better than placebo across 31 randomized trials. This is good quality evidence that SSRIs help PMS.
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/selective-serotonin-reuptake-inhibitors-for-premenstrual-syndrome-2013/
---

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- Are SSRIs effective for treating PMS?

Systematic review, 2013

# Are SSRIs effective for treating PMS?

SSRIs reduced PMS symptoms significantly better than placebo across 31 randomized trials. This is good quality evidence that SSRIs help PMS.

 Strong study design

Women with PMS, PMDD, or late luteal phase dysphoric disorder

## What they did

Systematic review of randomized controlled trials comparing five SSRIs (fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline, escitalopram, citalopram) versus placebo. Included women with prospective diagnosis of PMS, PMDD, or late luteal phase dysphoric disorder confirmed over at least two cycles. Searched databases through February 2013.

## What they found

SSRIs reduced overall self-rated PMS symptoms significantly more effectively than placebo. Thirty-one randomized controlled trials were included comparing five different SSRIs to placebo.

## What it means for you

SSRIs are an effective treatment for PMS. They can be taken only in the two weeks before your period (luteal phase) or every day year-round. The review examined both effectiveness and safety.

31

randomized controlled trials

5

different SSRIs compared

## About the study

Original title Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors for premenstrual syndrome Authors Marjoribanks J, Brown J, O'Brien PM et al. Journal The Cochrane database of systematic reviews Year 2013 Study design Systematic review What was tested SSRIs: fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline, escitalopram, citalopram versus placebo Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.1002/14651858.cd001396.pub3](https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.cd001396.pub3)

## 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/)

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, 2026

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Do SSRI antidepressants help treat PMS and PMDD?

Randomised trial, 2023

Does taking sertraline when PMDD symptoms start improve how well women function?

Guideline, 2023

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

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