Pharmacotherapy of premenstrual syndromes and premenstrual dysphoric disorder: current practices.
Premenstrual syndromes (PMS) and especially premenstrual dysphoic disorder (PMDD) affect a large segment of the population of women of reproductive age. Treatment is necessary in approximately 2-10% of women with PMS and PMDD because of the degree of impairment and distress experienced. Treatment modalities are increasingly based on hypotheses concerning possible underlying biological mechanisms: mostly ovulation-related hormonal changes and serotonergic abnormalities. Two treatment modalities distinguish themselves as highly effective: suppression of ovulation and specific serotonin re-uptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants. Suppression of ovulation is effective for a wide range of PMS, while SSRIs are effective for PMDD with some degree of efficacy for physical symptoms. The SSRIs are also efficacious when administered intermittently--only during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle.
Mitwally
Mohamed F
MF
Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, State University of New Yorkat Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14215, USA.
Kahn
Linda S
LS
Halbreich
Uriel
U
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000529:Complementary Therapies; D004232:Diuretics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006727:Hormone Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006728:Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008094:Lithium / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019964:Mood Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D010052:Ovariectomy; D028321:Plant Preparations / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011293:Premenstrual Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D004232:Diuretics; D006727:Hormone Antagonists; D006728:Hormones; D008094:Lithium; D028321:Plant Preparations; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors