Premenstrual syndrome: A mini review

Area of Science:

• Gynecology
• Psychiatry
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) affects 30-40% of reproductive-age women, with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) impacting 3-8%.
• Symptoms manifest during the luteal phase and resolve with menstruation, varying in severity from moderate to disabling.
• The exact cause is unknown, but hormonal sensitivity and neurotransmitter imbalances are suspected etiologies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the characteristics, diagnosis, and treatment of PMS and PMDD.
• To compare the efficacy of different treatment modalities for PMS/PMDD.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of PMS/PMDD etiology, diagnosis, and treatment.
• Analysis of diagnostic tools like the Daily Record of Severity of Problems.
• Evaluation of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions.

Main Results:

• Serotonergic antidepressants effectively improve both physical and mood symptoms.
• Combined oral contraceptives primarily alleviate physical symptoms.
• Individualized treatment plans are crucial, considering patient-specific factors.

Conclusions:

• PMS and PMDD are distinct conditions requiring tailored management strategies.
• Pharmacological treatments (antidepressants, OCPs) and lifestyle modifications offer viable therapeutic options.
• Further research into etiology may yield more targeted treatments.