While about 5% of women have premenstrual dysphoric disorder, we more commonly see women who experience premenstrual exacerbation of mood and anxiety disorders. A small study of 15 women with borderline personality disorder (who were [...]
When we meet with women reporting premenstrual symptoms, we often recommend that they avoid the use of alcohol. Analyzing 19 previously published studies of alcohol and PMS, researcher found that risk for PMS risk [...]
Chasteberry, the fruit of the chaste tree or Vitex agnus castus, has long been touted as a remedy for a range of reproductive problems, including premenstrual symptoms or PMS. Two recent publications have reviewed data [...]
The following post was first published in Current Psychiatry, published September 2017, Vol. 16, No. 9, p. 20-28. Check out the article on Current Psychiatry or listen to Dr. Raffi discuss treatment of menstrual–related mood and anxiety [...]
PMDD or premenstrual dysphoric disorder has always been a bit of mystery. We explain that PMDD is triggered by changes in reproductive hormone levels, but when you look at hormone levels in women with PMDD, [...]
St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) is an herbal preparation which has been shown, in some studies, to be effective for the treatment of mild to moderate depressive symptoms. St. John’s wort is now one of [...]
This will be the last monthly roundup for now. Because there are so many publications to cover, we will try moving to a weekly roundup. This will allow us to better highlight the most important [...]
It has been hypothesized that both premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and postpartum depression (PPD) occur as the result of rapid shifts in the levels of ovarian hormones. Data regarding the prevalence of PPD among women [...]
Many endocrinological, physical, and psychological changes occur in the adolescent years. Dysmenorrhea,or painful menses, is a relatively common complaint among adolescent girls. A recent study in the Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology explored [...]
It has been another busy month! Ruta Nonacs, MD PhD Antidepressants, pregnancy, and stigma: how we are failing mothers and babies. Osborne LM, Payne J. J Nerv Ment Dis. 2015 Mar;203(3):164-6. Do anxiety symptoms predict major depressive disorder in midlife [...]
