Premenstrual syndrome, a common but underrated entity: review of the clinical literature Original paper
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
I am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.
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Women’s Health
Women’s Health
Women’s health, a vital aspect of medical science, encompasses various conditions unique to women’s physiological makeup. Historically, women were often excluded from clinical research, leading to a gap in understanding the intricacies of women’s health needs. However, recent advancements have highlighted the significant role that the microbiome plays in these conditions, offering new insights and potential therapies. MicrobiomeSignatures.com is at the forefront of exploring the microbiome signature of each of these conditions to unravel the etiology of these diseases and develop targeted microbiome therapies.
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Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) involves physical and emotional symptoms linked to hormonal fluctuations. Recent research highlights the role of heavy metals and gut microbiome imbalances in worsening these symptoms. Lifestyle changes, microbiome-targeted therapies, and toxin reduction show promise in effective PMS management.
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Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
OverviewPremenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) affects roughly 3–9% of women of reproductive age and manifests as severe mood, behavioral, and physical symptoms tightly linked to the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, distinguishing it from milder premenstrual syndrome (PMS).[1][2] Central to PMDD’s pathophysiology is an altered sensitivity of the central nervous system to normal fluctuations of […]
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Divine Aleru
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Divine Aleru
What was reviewed?
This paper is a review of the clinical literature concerning premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). It focuses on their symptoms, prevalence, risk factors, etiology, and current diagnostic criteria. The review examines treatment options ranging from lifestyle changes to pharmacological interventions, and it highlights the impact of PMS and PMDD on women’s health.
Who was reviewed?
The review focuses on the clinical characteristics and findings related to PMS and PMDD in women of reproductive age. It draws from a wide range of studies to summarize the current understanding of these conditions, examining both epidemiological data and clinical treatments.
What were the most important findings?
The review identifies key characteristics of PMS and PMDD, noting that these disorders manifest during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle and subside with menstruation. It was found that PMS affects a significant portion of the female population, with the prevalence ranging from 10% to 98%, while PMDD affects 2-8% of women. Symptoms can be physical, such as bloating and breast tenderness, or psychological, including mood swings, irritability, and anxiety. The pathogenesis of PMS and PMDD is linked to hormonal fluctuations, particularly estrogen and progesterone, and the interaction of these hormones with central neurotransmitter systems, notably serotonin, GABA, and beta-endorphins.
The review highlights serotonin’s role in the pathogenesis, with women experiencing PMS showing lower serotonin levels in various bodily fluids. Although the exact cause remains unclear, studies suggest that serotonin may be the key mediator of the mood symptoms seen in these disorders. The review also addresses the controversial role of vitamins and minerals in the treatment of PMS, with limited evidence supporting their efficacy over a placebo. Furthermore, it outlines various therapeutic approaches, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), combined oral contraceptives (COCs), and lifestyle changes, which have been shown to improve symptoms in many patients.
What are the greatest implications of this review?
This review underscores the importance of recognizing PMS and PMDD as significant health issues that can affect a woman’s quality of life. It suggests that, despite their prevalence, these disorders are often underdiagnosed. The review calls for better recognition and diagnosis, particularly using prospective symptom tracking over multiple cycles, as is recommended by the DSM-5 for diagnosing PMDD. Clinicians should consider both pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments based on the severity of symptoms, as well as individualized care strategies, including SSRIs and COCs for more severe cases. Furthermore, the review suggests that future research should focus on understanding the complex hormonal and neurotransmitter interactions that underpin PMS and PMDD, potentially offering new avenues for treatment development.
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) involves physical and emotional symptoms linked to hormonal fluctuations. Recent research highlights the role of heavy metals and gut microbiome imbalances in worsening these symptoms. Lifestyle changes, microbiome-targeted therapies, and toxin reduction show promise in effective PMS management.