An investigation into the efficacy of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and Combined Oral Contraceptives (COCs) as treatments for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) and Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) found that neither option sufficiently improves the disorders. While some patients experience symptom relief, patients rarely see a reduction significant enough to no longer meet PMDD diagnostic criteria. The overall response rate to these treatments (65%) is not vastly different from the placebo response rate (49%). When accounting for the placebo effect, the percentage of genuine responders (36%) is comparable to or lower than non-responders (35% to 47%). Therefore, while SSRIs and COCs are potential options, they are often considered insufficient on their own for treating PMDD and PMS.