J Reprod Med. 2006 Apr;51(4 Suppl):359-70
Treatment of premenstrual disorders.
Kroll R, Rapkin AJ.
Women's Clinical Research Center, Lakeview Medical Dental Building, 3216 NE 45th Place, Suite 1000, Seattle, WA 98105, USA. rkroll@wcrcseattle.com
Premenstrual disorders are characterized by a wide variety of affective and somatic symptoms. This diversity of presenting symptoms has led to the use of many different types of treatment approaches, none of which has proven to be successful in all women with these disorders. Non-pharmacologic options include aerobic exercise, dietary changes and supplementation, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. Of the pharmacologic agents used to treat premenstrual symptoms, 3 selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors have received a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) indication for treating premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Agents that are often used off label to treat premenstrual symptoms include spironolactone and oral contraceptives (OCs); gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists and alprazolam are used less frequently in these patients. OCs have historically had little consistent data from controlled clinical trials to support their efficacy until a number of recent studies showed that an OC containing the novel progestin drospirenone is effective in reducing premenstrual symptoms in many women. A new drospirenone-containing OC formulation that is administered for 24 days in a 28-day cycle has been shown to be effective in treating PMDD.
Please click on the required question.
- Premenstrual Syndrome - PMS What is The Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
- 2 How prevalent is PMS?
- 3 How can we tell if I have PMS?
- 4 How can my PMS be evaluated?
- 5 How can cyclical breast pain (mastalgia) be treated?
- 6 How can my PMS be treated?
- 7 What is the place of progestogens and progesterone in the management of PMS?
- 8 Could suppressing my menstrual cycle reduce my PMS problems?
- 9 Could a diuretic help my PMS?
- 10 Is there a place for anti-depressants or anxiolytic drugs in the management of PMS?
- 11 Is there a place for removing my ovaries in the management of PMS?
- 12 What can be done about my decreased libido (sex drive)
- 12A What is the place of Viagra (sildenafil citrate) in sexual dysfunction in women?
- 13 How is PMS treatment monitored?
- 14 How long should PMS treatment be taken?
- 15 What is the chronic fatigue syndrome?
- 16 What is seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
- 17 Where can I obtain more information?
- 18 Support Groups.
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This is the personal website of David A Viniker MD FRCOG, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Whipps Cross University Hospital, London - Specialist Interests - Reproductive Medicine including Infertility, PCOS, PMS, Menopause and HRT.
I do hope that you find the answers to your women's health questions in the patient information and medical advice provided.



