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.
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
Topics
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