--- title: Has osteopathic manual therapy been studied as a treatment for PMDD? description: This scoping review protocol plans to search for studies on osteopathic manual therapy for PMDD. Since no reviews of OMT for PMDD exist, it will examine indir url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/what-is-the-current-evidence-regarding-the-use-of-omt-in-treating-the-symptoms-2026/ --- - [Niyora](https://niyora.com/) - [Research](https://niyora.com/research/) - [Library](https://niyora.com/research/library/) - Has osteopathic manual therapy been studied as a treatment for PMDD? Systematic review, 2026 # Has osteopathic manual therapy been studied as a treatment for PMDD? This scoping review protocol plans to search for studies on osteopathic manual therapy for PMDD. Since no reviews of OMT for PMDD exist, it will examine indirect evidence from related conditions like PMS and dysmenorrhea. Early or limited evidence Planned review of individuals with PMDD, PMS, dysmenorrhea, menstrual-related mood disorders, anxiety, or depression ## What they did Scoping review protocol planning to search multiple databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, AMED, PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, JBI, PEDro, SAGE) and grey literature for studies published from 2015 onwards on osteopathic manual therapy or related non-pharmacological approaches for PMDD and related conditions. ## What they found This is a protocol for a scoping review that has not yet reported results. The authors note that SSRIs (standard PMDD medications) have side effects and non-pharmacological options are needed. No existing reviews of OMT for PMDD have been published. ## What it means for you The completed review will determine whether osteopathic manual therapy has been studied for PMDD and examine evidence from related menstrual and mood conditions. This matters because standard PMDD medications have side effects, so alternative approaches need evaluation. ## About the study Original title What is the current evidence regarding the use of OMT in treating the symptoms of PMDD?: A Scoping Review Authors Gemma Willcock Year 2026 Study design Systematic review What was tested Osteopathic manual therapy (OMT) and conceptually related non-pharmacological interventions Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.17605/osf.io/wybpu](https://doi.org/10.17605/osf.io/wybpu) Original abstract Background: Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a severe cyclic mood and somatic disorder causing substantial psychosocial and functional impairment. Although first-line pharmacological treatments such as SSRIs are effective, their side-effect profile highlights the need for non-pharmacological management options. Osteopathic manual therapy (OMT) has shown potential benefits in related conditions, including dysmenorrhea, premenstrual syndrome, anxiety, and depression; however, no reviews have mapped whether OMT has been evaluated for PMDD. Objectives: This scoping review aims to identify and map existing evidence on OMT relevant to the treatment of PMDD symptoms and explore indirect evidence from related menstrual and mood disorders that may inform the potential therapeutic role of OMT. Eligibility Criteria: Using the Population-Concept-Context (PCC) framework, studies will be included if they investigate individuals with PMDD, PMS, dysmenorrhea, menstrual-related mood disorders, or anxiety/depression, report on OMT or conceptually relevant non-pharmacological interventions and are in English and not older than 2015. Sources of Evidence and Search Methods: A comprehensive search will be conducted across MEDLINE, CINAHL, AMED, PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, JBI, PEDro, SAGE, and grey literature. Reference lists of included studies will also be screened. Search terms will combine OMT-related keywords with menstrual and mood-related terminology. Charting Methods: Data will be extracted using a structured charting form capturing study design, population characteristics, intervention type, outcomes, and key findings. Results: Results will be mapped narratively, grouped by diagnosis/symptom profile, intervention category, and outcome domain. Quantitative data will be summarised descriptively. Conclusion: This review will clarify whether OMT has been investigated for PMDD, synthesise indirect evidence from related conditions, highlight research gaps, and inform future clinical research directions regarding OMT as a potential non-pharmacological treatment. Reproduced under public-domain. ## Topics [Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[Dysmenorrhea and period pain](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-dysmenorrhea/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[Anxiety and tension](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-anxiety/)[SSRIs and antidepressants](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-ssri/) 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, 2008 What treatments work best for PMS and PMDD? Randomised trial, 2003 Are SSRI antidepressants effective for PMDD? Randomised trial, 1999 Do SSRIs reduce premenstrual dysphoria symptoms? Randomised trial, 1995 Does fluoxetine help premenstrual dysphoria? Study, 2026 Do anxiety and depression get worse before your period if you already have a mental health condition? Study, 2024 When women suspected of having PMDD are tracked for 3 months, how many actually meet the full criteria? Ask AI about this page Copy prompt ChatGPT ↗ Claude ↗ Perplexity ↗ Google AI Mode ↗ Grok ↗