While about 5% of women have premenstrual dysphoric disorder, we more commonly see women who experience premenstrual exacerbation of mood and anxiety disorders. Â 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. Â 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. Â Two recent publications have reviewed data [...]
 It is recommended that women with premenstrual symptoms (PMS) switch to a diet including more complex carbohydrates and less sugar in order to alleviate their symptoms.  While these dietary modifications may be helpful, a [...]
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. Â We explain that PMDD is triggered by changes in reproductive hormone levels, but when you look at hormone levels in women with PMDD, [...]
 While about 80% of peri- and postmenopausal women have vasomotor symptoms (VMS), such as night sweats and hot flashes, it has been observed that higher body mass index (BMI) and body fat are associated [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
Multiple studies support the efficacy of serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs) for the treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Â In the initial studies, treatment was administered daily throughout the entire menstrual cycle. Â Researchers observed that for [...]
