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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.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

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