Studies done where women take an SSRRI everyday fro 14 days prior to mensuration for three months showed that women were able to tolerate the drugs and reported a reduction in symptoms.

Evidence for the Helpfulness of SSRIs on PMDD

In addition to the studies done proving the effectiveness of SSRIs for PMDD there have also been a great number of studies done that antidepressants such as Zoloft do not work. This contradictory evidence is still being explored.

Controversy Around Taking SSRIs for PMDD

The way that SSRIs work for PMDD is unknown. Researchers suspect that they must be working differently in these cases than they do for depression or anxiety since SSRIs can take weeks to work for those conditions while for PMDD, relieve has been reported to come within days. 

How do SSRIs Work for PMDD

Some doctors will point their patients toward Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors or S.S.R.Is for the treatment of PMDD. However, evidence as to whether or not this is an effective treatment tends to be quite contradictory with certain studies pointing to its effectiveness and others saying that not only do they not work but that they have the potential to cause more harm than good.

New York University

There is no one treatment for PMDD for all women that experience it. This is due to the wide range of things that may cause it. 

Treating PMDD and PMS

Chrisler, J. C., & Gorman, J. A. (2015). The medicalization of women’s moods: Premenstrual syndrome of premenstrual dysphoric disorder. In The Wrong Prescription for Women. M. McHugh and J. Chrisler, Eds. New York: Praeger

The medicalization of women’s moods: Premenstrual syndrome of premenstrual dysphoric disorder

Peachman, R. R. (2022, September 20). Do antidepressants work for severe PMS? The New York Times. Retrieved October 14, 2022, from https://www.nytimes.com/2022/09/20/well/live/antidepressants-pms-treatment.html 

Do Antidepressants Work for Severe PMS?

Self-care has been cited as a beneficial tool, no matter the severity of symptoms. This may include things such as mindfulness, getting enough sleep, or even certain diets.

Self-Care in Treating PMDD and PMS

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors for the Treatment of PMDD

Oral contraceptives containing both estrogen and progesterone taken continuously throughout the month (meaning placebo pills are skipped) so that hormones are kept stable have been shown to help. While only one pill, Yaz, has been approved by the FDA for such use there is evidence that other pills can help.

Birth Control for the Treatment of PMDD

Cognitive behavioral therapy is a form of talk therapy that aims to reframe negative thoughts and behaviors. CBT has been shown to reduce PMDD symptoms. Some doctors may recommend this in combination with medication.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for PMDD

There is some evidence that taking calcium may reduce PMDD symptoms. Taking such supplements may not work in severe cases but with minor cases, they are worth trying. 

Calcium for PMDD

If any of the less invasive treatments for PMDD fail, doctors may recommend taking leuprolide acetate, an injectable medication normally used to treat endometriosis. This medication can be given once a month or every three months so that the ovaries stop producing estrogen and progesterone. This can eliminate monthly symptoms. 

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