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Diagnosis and Treatment of Premenstrual Syndrome

Differentiating Premenstrual Syndrome PMS from Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder PMDD and Premenstrual Exacerbation Disorder PMED

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Handbook of Gynecology

Abstract

Premenstrual disorders are characterized by the cyclical recurrence of mood changes and physical symptoms beginning in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle and improving following menstruation. Diagnostic and management principles for PMS were established by the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists (ACOG), while the more severe Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder has diagnostic criteria found in the Diagnostic and Statistical Methods of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V). Establishing a diagnosis of PMS/PMDD requires the daily recording of symptoms for at least two menstrual cycles. A key aspect of diagnosis includes ruling out mood disorders and other medical conditions. Information surrounding pathophysiology is continually evolving, with current research focused on abnormalities in ovarian sex steroid metabolites that act as neuromodulators. A trial of conservative management is appropriate in some scenarios, but first-line pharmacologic therapy including combined oral contraceptives and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, is highly effective.

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Anderson, Z. (2023). Diagnosis and Treatment of Premenstrual Syndrome. In: Shoupe, D. (eds) Handbook of Gynecology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-14881-1_33

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-14881-1_33

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-031-14880-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-031-14881-1

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