 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 [...]
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 [...]
 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 [...]
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 [...]
For women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the first line of pharmacological treatment. A significant body of evidence, including numerous double-blind, randomized studies, supports the effectiveness of SSRIs in [...]
An estimated 80% of sexually active young women in the United States use hormonal or oral contraceptives (OCs). Clinically it is found that some women report depression or mood swings with oral contraceptives; however, many women seem to tolerate hormonal contraceptive without any effects on mood. Despite the prevalence of OC usage, few studies have explored the association between hormonal contraceptive use and mood disturbance.
About 75% of women with regular menstrual cycles report unpleasant physical or psychological symptoms premenstrually. For the majority of women, these symptoms are mild and tolerable. However, some women have more severe and disabling symptoms, or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Several years ago, a large, multicenter trial of calcium supplementation found that calcium (600 mg twice a day) significantly reduced both the physical and emotional symptoms of PMS; however, it has not been clear whether calcium supplementation might be effective for more severe premenstrual symptoms or PMDD.
Women with premenstrual symptoms (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder experience symptoms during the premenstrual phase of their cycles.  Because levels of estrogen and progesterone do not differ significantly between women with PMS and those without, it has long been hypothesized that PMS/PMDD represents an abnormal response to normal hormonal fluctuations (Schmidt et al, 1998).
Many women with PMS and PMDD ask about herbal remedies for the treatment of their symptoms. WebMD recently reviewed this topic. The supplements most commonly mentioned for the treatment of PMS include chasteberry, evening primrose oil, Gingko biloba, St. John’s wort, and dandelion leaf. Some important things to remember:
