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Causes of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)

Written by: Petros Skapinakis, MD, MPH, PhD, lecturer of Psychiatry in the University of Ioannina Medical School, Greece. Eva Gerasi, postgraduate student in the Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Ioannina, Greece.
First version: 22 Jul 2008. Latest version: 29 Jul 2008.

Abstract:

The causes of PMS and PMDD are largely unknown. Some therories are presented here.

Question:

Why do PMS and PMDD occur?

Answer:

The etiology of PMS and PMDD is still largely unknown. The current consensus seems to be that normal ovarian function (rather than hormone imbalance) is the cyclical trigger for PMDD-related biochemical events within the central nervous system and other target issues.

Increasing evidence suggests that serotonine (a hormone of the central nervous system) may be important to the pathogenesis of PMDD. The serotonergic system is in close connection with gonadal hormones. Women with PMDD may be behaviourally or biochemically sub-sensitive to biological changes of the serotonergic system.

More Information
Etiology of depression in women Premenstrual Syndrome Symptoms of PMS Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder Criteria for PMDD Treatment of PMDD Diagnosis of PMDD Depression in Women and Postpartum Depression of Women (Depression after Giving Birth) Antidepressant medication for women Mild depression after childbirth Psychosis after child-birth Depression during pregnancy Depression after childbirth Risk factors for post-natal depression Associated with maternity Postpartum or puerperal psychosis Depression associated with menopause Articles about psychiatric prescription drugs More articles about depression More articles about the treatment of depression
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