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Review, 2023

What causes PMS and how is it treated?

The exact cause of PMS is not known, but it is a complex condition with physical, emotional, and psychological symptoms during the luteal phase. Both drug and non-drug treatments exist, though only some have strong clinical evidence.

Early or limited evidence Women of reproductive age with PMS

What they did

A review of the literature on PMS, examining hypotheses about its causes and surveying available treatments, both drug and non-drug.

What they found

PMS affects approximately 5 to 8 percent of women, with the majority of those having PMDD. PMS is diagnosed entirely on the basis of signs and symptoms, with no particular diagnostic tests available. Only a small number of therapeutic approaches have strong clinical evidence.

What it means for you

PMS is a complex condition without a single identified cause, diagnosed by symptoms alone rather than by diagnostic tests. Many treatments are available but more evidence is needed for most of them. This is a narrative review summarizing existing knowledge rather than presenting new research findings.

5-8 percent

women with premenstrual syndrome

About the study

Original title
Unfolding the mystery of premenstrual syndrome (PMS): an overview
Authors
Zehravi M, Maqbool M, Ara I
Journal
International journal of adolescent medicine and health
Year
2023
Study design
Review

Topics