---
title: What treatments work for depression linked to the menstrual cycle and PMDD?
description: Serotonin-boosting antidepressants (SSRIs) are the first-line treatment for severe PMS and PMDD and consistently work. Progesterone does not work for mood sym
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/treatment-of-depression-associated-with-the-menstrual-cycle-premenstrual-2002/
---

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- What treatments work for depression linked to the menstrual cycle and PMDD?

Survey study, 2002

# What treatments work for depression linked to the menstrual cycle and PMDD?

Serotonin-boosting antidepressants (SSRIs) are the first-line treatment for severe PMS and PMDD and consistently work. Progesterone does not work for mood symptoms, despite being widely prescribed.

 Moderate study design

Literature review of depression related to the menstrual cycle, postpartum period, and perimenopause

## What they did

Literature review examining current evidence on evaluating and treating depression that occurs before the period, after childbirth, or during perimenopause. Authors reviewed research on antidepressants, hormones, and other treatments based on published literature.

## What they found

Serotonergic antidepressants (SSRIs) consistently show efficacy for severe PMS and PMDD and are the first-line treatment. Progesterone is not effective for mood and behavioral symptoms of PMS, PMDD, postpartum depression, or perimenopausal depression despite frequent use. Estradiol may be effective for postpartum depression and moderate-to-severe depression in perimenopause.

## What it means for you

For women with severe PMS or PMDD with mood symptoms, SSRIs should be tried first as they have proven effectiveness. Progesterone, commonly prescribed for menstrual problems, does not help with mood symptoms. This summarizes existing research evidence.

## About the study

Original title Treatment of depression associated with the menstrual cycle: premenstrual dysphoria, postpartum depression, and the perimenopause Authors W Freeman E Journal Dialogues in clinical neuroscience Year 2002 Study design Survey study What was tested SSRIs, progesterone, and estradiol for menstrual-related depression Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.31887/dcns.2002.4.2/efreeman](https://doi.org/10.31887/dcns.2002.4.2/efreeman)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[Menstrual cycle and mood](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-cycle-mood/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[SSRIs and antidepressants](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-ssri/)[Major depressive disorder](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-major-depression/)[Perimenopause and menopause](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-perimenopause/)[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

Review, 2012

Is depression linked to hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause?

Study, 2004

Did SSRIs change what people thought of as depression in women?

Randomised trial, 2001

Do changing reproductive hormones disrupt the body's internal clock and cause mood disorders?

Review, 2011

Can estrogen hormones treat depression linked to the menstrual cycle?

Survey study, 2009

Can estrogen therapy help depression that worsens during hormonal cycle changes?

Review, 2004

How should PMDD be treated with antidepressants?

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