The Premenstrual Syndrome

The biological plausibility for the effect of sex hormones on the central nervous system is now supported by a considerable amount of clinical data. This critical review guides the reader through the plethora of data, from the earliest reports of menstrual madness in the nineteenth century to neurobiological work in the new millennium. It illustrates through the scientific evidence base that, although the effect of estrogen on the central nervous system, particularly on mood and depression, remains a controversial area, there is now considerable evidence for the psychotherapeutic benefits of estrogens in the triad of hormone-responsive depressive disorders: postnatal depression, premenstrual depression and perimenopausal depression. The article also reviews the compelling data that testosterone supplementation has positive effects for depression, libido and energy, particularly where patients have only partially responded to estrogen therapy.

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“…Greene and Dalton extended the definition to 'premenstrual syndrome' in 1953 12 , recognizing the wider range of symptoms.…”

Section: Premenstrual Syndromementioning

confidence: 97%

Hormones and depression in women

Studd

Panay

2004

Climacteric

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“…With respect to progesterone, low levels of progesterone were reported in women with premenstrual tension, and emotional symptoms were also related to falling levels of progesterone. As noted by Green and Dalton [26], dysphoria in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle occurs as progesterone is elevated, and intensifies as progesterone drops from its highest levels to its lower premenstrual levels. Similarly, induction of depressive symptoms was reported at cessation of exogenous progesterone treatment [27].…”

Section: Ovarian Hormone Effectsmentioning

confidence: 93%

“…Similarly, Morton [29] was able to produce the premenstrual syndrome in castrated individuals by administering large doses of estrogen. Later, Greene and Dalton [26] proposed that premenstrual tension was caused by relatively high ratios of estrogen to progesterone, and substantiated their hypothesis by noting that intramuscular progesterone alleviated the premenstrual syndrome (a therapeutic possibility that has since been disproved). As with progesterone, premenstrual symptom increases occur during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, at a time when estrogen levels are elevated, and intensify as estrogen levels fall [8].…”

Section: Ovarian Hormone Effectsmentioning

confidence: 94%

Historical studies of premenstrual tension up to 30 years ago: Implications for future research

Janowsky

Rausch²,

Davis³

2002

Curr Psychiatry Rep

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The biology and treatment of premenstrual tension syndrome has advanced significantly in the past 30 years. Newer research expands on earlier literature that has been accumulated before 1972. This review selectively considers this earlier literature, because it defines the nature and impact of what was then considered to be premenstrual tension syndrome. The authors consider a set of earlier studies that suggest a role for personality, psychodynamics, and cultural variables in the etiology, impact, and treatment of the cyclic disorders. This review also considers studies of the biology of premenstrual tension that suggest a role for sodium and water fluctuations, the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, ovarian hormones, monoamines, and acetylcholine. Current applications and potential research directions based on this information are also discussed.

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“…Subsequently, a work group on LLPDD reported to the DSM-IV Task Force, culminating in its inclusion in DSM-IV Most articles on the management of the premenstrual syndrome (PMS) begin by noting that the term "premenstrual tension" was first coined by R. T. Frank in 1931 and "pre-menstrual syndrome" by Greene & Dalton in 1953. However, in 1847 "The menses in sensitive women is almost always attended by mental uneasiness, irritability and sadness."…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Premenstrual syndrome: an update on definitions, diagnosis and management

Connolly¹

2001

Adv. psychiatr. treat

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Most articles on the management of the premenstrual syndrome (PMS) begin by noting that the term “premenstrual tension” was first coined by R. T. Frank in 1931 and “pre-menstrual syndrome” by Greene & Dalton in 1953. However, in 1847, Dr Ernst F. von Feuchtersleben wrote: “The menses in sensitive women is almost always attended by mental uneasiness, irritability and sadness.” (quoted by Rubinow & Schmidt, 1995)

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The Premenstrual Syndrome

Cited by 308 publications

References 12 publications

Hormones and depression in women

Hormones and depression in women

Historical studies of premenstrual tension up to 30 years ago: Implications for future research

Premenstrual syndrome: an update on definitions, diagnosis and management

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