New Research Findings

TREATMENT

  Several approaches have been found to be helpful for PMS, but it is not year clear whether these approaches will be helpful for PMDD, which involves more severe mood symptoms.   

1. Exercise can relieve PMS symptoms. 

2. Cognitive behavior therapy may be effective for PMDD and PMS

3. Chaste Tree extract relieves symptoms of PMS and, in a small study, symptoms of PMDD. Chaste Tree extract may give more relief of physical than mood symptoms.   

ILLNESS COURSE

1. PMS is associated with increased risk of perimenopausal depression.

BIOLOGICAL FINDINGS

1. Normal changes in brain activation across the cycle in response to emotional cues are altered in women with PMDD

2. Normal changes in  brain GABA levels across the cycle are altered in women with PMDD

3. Women with PMDD have alterations in calcium and vitamin D regulation, and changes in IGF-1, a bone regulation hormone.

4. Women with PMS found to have alterations in levels of fluid regulation hormones and fluid distribution in the luteal phase.