Research library
Every PMS and PMDD study, with what it found
Each study has a short summary: what was tested, who took part, what they found, and what it means for you.
- studies summarized
- 6,703studies summarized
- randomised trials
- 816randomised trials
- systematic reviews
- 199systematic reviews
- clinical trials
- 280clinical trials
Strongest recent studies
How often do mood disorders and PMS or PMDD occur together?
Very often. Between 42% and 49% of women have both PMS or PMDD and a mood disorder at the same time, depending on which condition was diagnosed first.
How do women with PMDD process emotions differently in their brains?
Women with PMDD show increased activity in emotion-processing brain networks, especially during the luteal phase, and this baseline difference even appears in the follicular phase and relates to symptom severity.
Does continuous paroxetine or birth control work better for PMDD?
Both antidepressants and birth control pills are effective for PMDD. Continuous paroxetine (an antidepressant) and DROS/EE 24/4 (a specific birth control) showed the strongest effects in studies reviewed, though the evidence comes from relatively few studies.
What genetic factors are linked to premenstrual symptoms?
One genetic location on chromosome 12 was clearly associated with PMS. The genetic factors linked to PMS are also linked to depression.
Do brain wave patterns change across the menstrual cycle?
Yes. Brain wave patterns shift across the cycle. Certain waves decrease and others increase around ovulation in a pattern that suggests sharper thinking and better emotional well-being. These changes could help detect hormone-sensitive mood disorders.
Does sleeping longer improve mood and fitness in elite athletes?
Yes. Sleeping longer was linked to better mood and fitness across all athletes, regardless of menstrual cycle status. Sleeping less than 8 hours was linked to below-average mood and fitness.
Do sleep, exercise, and diet quality affect period pain, heavy bleeding, and PMS in midlife?
Women with poor sleep regularity and low moderate-to-vigorous activity had more painful and heavy periods and more PMS. Diet quality showed only a small effect. These are associations, not proof of cause and effect.
Which traditional Chinese medicine treatments work best for PMS?
Several traditional Chinese medicine therapies help PMS based on multiple studies. Jianpi-Shugan acupuncture had the best overall effectiveness rate, while ear acupressure was most effective for reducing individual symptoms. However, many studies had quality concerns, so stronger evidence is needed.
Does yoga reduce PMS symptoms?
Yes, yoga significantly reduced PMS severity, pain, and improved blood markers while the control group showed no changes.
Conditions
Symptoms
- Low mood and depression1946
- Anxiety and tension832
- Stress664
- Pain and headache643
- Cognition, concentration and memory627
- Irritability and anger436
- Sleep and insomnia369
- Bloating, breast tenderness and physical symptoms334
- Appetite and food cravings179
- Mood swings and emotion regulation117
- Fatigue and energy117
- Suicidality91
- Libido and sexual function42
Treatments
- SSRIs and antidepressants528
- Oral contraceptives and drospirenone502
- Diet and nutrition421
- Exercise and yoga410
- Psychotherapy, counselling and education381
- Other herbal medicine284
- GnRH agonists and ovarian suppression254
- Neurosteroids (allopregnanolone)167
- Estradiol, progesterone and hormone therapy164
- Diuretics and other drugs150
- Calcium136
- Vitamin B6128
- Cognitive behavioral therapy126
- Anxiolytics and other psychotropics102
- Magnesium98
- Vitex agnus-castus (chasteberry)92
- Surgical menopause87
- Vitamin D84
- Apps and digital interventions78
- Mindfulness and meditation65
- Acupuncture and acupressure57
- Evening primrose oil38
- Vitamin E33
- Light therapy and sleep deprivation32
- Zinc and iron31
- Omega-3 fatty acids21
- Curcumin and turmeric21
- Saffron18
- Ginkgo biloba11
Related conditions
- Major depressive disorder379
- Pregnancy and postpartum369
- Perimenopause and menopause259
- Alcohol, smoking and substance use189
- Anxiety disorders and OCD189
- Schizophrenia and psychosis150
- Migraine146
- Bipolar disorder129
- Eating disorders94
- PTSD and trauma81
- Endometriosis66
- Thyroid disorders60
- Epilepsy54
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)54
- IBS and gut symptoms52
- Borderline personality disorder44
- ADHD35
- Autism21
- Chronic pain and fibromyalgia20
Life and work
Download the data
The full library is free to use with credit to Niyora: 12,250 papers and 280 clinical trials, with study design, topics and links.