--- title: How are PMDD and sexual dysfunction connected? | Niyora description: Women with PMDD often experience sexual problems during the premenstrual phase. Some medications treat PMDD and others treat sexual dysfunction, but it's not url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/understanding-the-interplay-between-premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder-pmdd-and-2024/ --- - [Niyora](https://niyora.com/) - [Research](https://niyora.com/research/) - [Library](https://niyora.com/research/library/) - How are PMDD and sexual dysfunction connected? Survey study, 2024 # How are PMDD and sexual dysfunction connected? Women with PMDD often experience sexual problems during the premenstrual phase. Some medications treat PMDD and others treat sexual dysfunction, but it's not clear if they help both conditions together. Early or limited evidence Published research on PMDD, PMS, and sexual dysfunction ## What they did Researchers reviewed published studies about sexual function in women with PMDD and PMS. They identified the types of sexual problems women experience, how they connect to PMDD, and what treatments exist. ## What they found Sexual dysfunction in PMDD can include low libido, difficulty achieving pleasure, and pain during sex. Women frequently experience sexual distress during the premenstrual phase. Medications for PMDD (SSRIs and birth control pills) and separate treatments for sexual dysfunction exist, but their combined effects aren't clear. ## What it means for you If you have PMDD and sexual problems, they may be linked. Talk to your doctor about both. Current treatments may help, but more research is needed. This is a review of existing research rather than new data. SSRIs, COCPs approved for PMDD ## About the study Original title Understanding the Interplay Between Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) and Female Sexual Dysfunction (FSD) Authors Gollapudi M, Thomas A, Yogarajah A et al. Journal Cureus Year 2024 Study design Survey study Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.7759/cureus.62788](https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.62788) Original abstract Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe variant of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), categorized as a mood disorder due to marked symptoms of depression and anxiety, compounded with severe physical symptoms. Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) can manifest as low libido, difficulty achieving sexual pleasure, and dyspareunia, causing functional and psychological distress. PMDD and FSD are globally prevalent conditions with postulated biological, psychological, and social associations between them. Nevertheless, sexual dysfunction in PMDD is an important aspect of women's health that has been understudied and has notable methodological limitations. In this narrative review, we summarize the existing literature on sexual function in women with PMDD and PMS, specify the distinctions between PMDD and other general symptoms of PMS, highlight the significance of understanding sexual dysfunction in the female population, and outline some available therapeutic options. Studies show that women frequently experience debilitating sexual distress during the premenstrual phase; however, there is an essential need to formulate standardized tools for definite diagnosis. Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and combined oral contraceptive pills (COCPs) are approved medications for PMDD, while flibanserin and bremelanotide are effective in treating FSD. However, the potential effects of these treatment modalities on the two comorbid conditions render them inconclusive. Awareness of PMDD and FSD among clinicians and society can allow the implementation of targeted interventions to alleviate the suffering of women and enhance their quality of life. Reproduced under CC-BY. ## Topics [Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[Libido and sexual function](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-sexual-function/)[SSRIs and antidepressants](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-ssri/)[Oral contraceptives and drospirenone](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-hormonal-contraceptives/)[Neurosteroids (allopregnanolone)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-neurosteroids/) 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, 2017 What causes PMDD and what are the best treatments? Study, 2026 What treatments work for PMDD? Review, 2019 Which contraceptive methods are safest for women with PMDD? Randomised trial, 2017 Does Sepranolone reduce symptoms of severe premenstrual syndrome (PMDD)? Cohort study, 2023 What medications and supplements treat PMDD? Study, 2022 Why do women get PMS and PMDD? Ask AI about this page Copy prompt ChatGPT ↗ Claude ↗ Perplexity ↗ Google AI Mode ↗ Grok ↗