title: The pathophysiologic background for current treatments of premenstrual syndromes.
abstract: Multiple hypotheses on the etiology of premenstrual syndromes (PMS) that have been proposed during the past 70 years have led to a multitude of treatment modalities. During the past two decades, the following two classes of pharmacologic interventions have emerged: hormonal interventions--mostly suppression of ovulation; and neurotransmitter's activity stimulation--mostly by specific serotonin reuptake inhibitors. These treatment modalities are based on the hypothesis that the etiology and pathophysiology of PMS are related to ovulation-related luteal activity of gonadal hormones, and their interaction with serotonin and other neurotransmitters. Two other components of the pathophysiology of PMS--the genetic propensity and the dynamically evolving-vulnerability--have not yet been addressed for treatment. Environmental inputs to pathophysiology, which are not discussed here, have been addressed by attempts at changes of lifestyle, coping style, and environment.
authors.affiliation: BioBehavioral Program, State University of New York (SUNY) at Buffalo, Clinical Center, 462 Grider Street, Buffalo, NY 14215, USA. urielh@acsu.buffalo.edu
authors.forename: Uriel
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Halbreich
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003613:Danazol / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004965:Estrogen Antagonists / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010060:Ovulation / Q000187:drug effects; D011293:Premenstrual Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D018079:Receptors, GABA / Q000502:physiology; D011985:Receptors, Serotonin / Q000502:physiology; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D003613:Danazol; D004965:Estrogen Antagonists; D018079:Receptors, GABA; D011985:Receptors, Serotonin; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors