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Premenstrual syndrome - Treatment

Description

An in-depth report on the causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

Alternative Names

PMS

Treatment:

For many women, PMS symptoms can be relieved by lifestyle changes (food modifications, exercise, possibly vitamin B-6 and calcium supplements.)

Women with more severe PMS whose symptoms have not been helped by lifestyle changes should discuss drug treatment options with their doctors. Medications for PMS include:

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to help reduce pain
Diuretics to reduce fluid retention
Certain types of birth control pills, which can reduce or eliminate menstrual periods
Serotonin-reuptake inhibitor antidepressants for premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). (Cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy may be an appropriate alternative to antidepressants for some women).
Benzodiazepine anti-anxiety drugs for patients with severe PMS-related anxiety.

Resources

www.womenshealth.gov -- National Women's Health Information Center
www.acog.org -- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

References

Braverman PK. Premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol. 2007 Feb;20(1):3-12.

Brown J, O' Brien PM, Marjoribanks J, Wyatt K. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors for premenstrual syndrome. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2009 Apr 15;(2):CD001396.

Jarvis CI, Lynch AM, Morin AK. Management strategies for premenstrual syndrome/premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Ann Pharmacother. 2008 Jul;42(7):967-78. Epub 2008 Jun 17

Kwan I and Onwude JL. Premenstrual syndrome. BMJ Clinical Evidence. Web publication date: 01 May 2007.

Lentz GM. Primary and secondary dysmenorrheal, premenstrual syndrome, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Etiology, diagnosis, management. In: Katz VL, Lobo RA, Lentz G, Gershenson D, eds. Comprehensive Gynecology. 5th ed. St. Louis, MO: Mosby; 2007:chap 36.

Lopez LM, Kaptein AA, Helmerhorst FM. Oral contraceptives containing drospirenone for premenstrual syndrome. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2009 Apr 15;(2):CD006586.

Yonkers KA, O'Brien PM, Eriksson E. Premenstrual syndrome. Lancet. 2008 Apr 5;371(9619):1200-10.

Reviewed last on: 8/4/2009
Harvey Simon, MD, Editor-in-Chief, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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