---
title: What role do hormones play in PMS and how should we treat it?
description: Female hormones trigger PMS by affecting brain chemistry, especially the serotonin and GABA systems. SSRIs and medications that stop ovulation are the most ef
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/the-role-of-hormones-and-hormonal-treatments-in-premenstrual-syndrome-2003/
---

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- What role do hormones play in PMS and how should we treat it?

Review, 2003

# What role do hormones play in PMS and how should we treat it?

Female hormones trigger PMS by affecting brain chemistry, especially the serotonin and GABA systems. SSRIs and medications that stop ovulation are the most effective treatments.

 Moderate study design

Review article

## What they did

This review article examined what is known about how hormones cause PMS and what treatments work.

## What they found

Hormones from the ovary, especially progesterone metabolites, are active in the GABA system in the brain that affects mood. Up to 30% of women feel they need treatment. SSRIs and medications that suppress ovulation (GnRH agonists) are the most effective treatments, with spironolactone also showing benefits.

## What it means for you

Understanding how hormones affect brain chemistry can help doctors choose better treatments. This is a review of existing knowledge rather than a new study.

30%

Women who feel they need treatment for PMS

## About the study

Original title The role of hormones and hormonal treatments in premenstrual syndrome Authors Bäckström T, Andreen L, Birzniece V et al. Journal CNS drugs Year 2003 Study design Review What was tested None (review article) Read the paper [doi.org/10.2165/00023210-200317050-00003](https://doi.org/10.2165/00023210-200317050-00003)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[SSRIs and antidepressants](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-ssri/)[GnRH agonists and ovarian suppression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-gnrh/)[Estradiol, progesterone and hormone therapy](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-hormone-therapy/)[Neurosteroids (allopregnanolone)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-neurosteroids/)[Anxiolytics and other psychotropics](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-anxiolytics/)[Diuretics and other drugs](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-diuretics-other-drugs/)[Pregnancy and postpartum](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-postpartum/)

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

Systematic review, 2007

What treatments work for premenstrual syndrome?

Review, 1998

What treatments actually help with PMS?

Randomised trial, 2003

What treatments work for PMS and PMDD?

Review, 2002

What treatments work best for PMS and PMDD?

Study, 1997

What medications work best for treating PMS?

Review, 2006

How do brain hormones affect PMDD and mood problems during the menstrual cycle?

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