title: Psychotropic medications and other non-hormonal treatments for premenstrual disorders.
abstract: Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors have well-established efficacy for severe premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Efficacy has been reported with both continuous dosing (all cycle) and intermittent or luteal phase dosing (from ovulation to menses). Efficacy may be less with intermittent dosing, particularly for premenstrual physical symptoms. The efficacy of symptom-onset dosing (medication taken only on luteal days when symptoms occur) needs further systematic study. Women going through the menopausal transition may need to adjust their antidepressant dosing regimen due to the change in frequency of menstruation. Anxiolytics, calcium, chasteberry and cognitive-behaviour therapy may also have a role in the treatment of premenstrual symptoms.
authors.affiliation: Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA. Teri_Pearlstein@brown.edu
authors.forename: Teri
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Pearlstein
mesh_terms: D000525:Alprazolam / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017610:Calcium Compounds / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D004032:Diet; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D009638:Norepinephrine / Q000378:metabolism; D047648:Perimenopause; D008517:Phytotherapy; D011293:Premenstrual Syndrome / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000525:Alprazolam; D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D017610:Calcium Compounds; D009638:Norepinephrine; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors