Many women have concerns about the side effects of oral contraceptives (birth control pills). Potential side effects include bloating, breast tenderness, and weight gain. In addition, some women may experience depression or mood swings, side effects that may influence a woman’s decision to start taking a birth control pill, particularly if she has [...]
Category Archives: PMDD


New Research Study at CWMH: Treatment of Premenstrual Worsening of Depression
Posted on February 15, 2008
Seeking women between 18-45 with PMS who have been diagnosed with depression. If you are between 18 and 45 and:
Suffer with PMS
Currently being treated with an antidepressant
You may be eligible for a research study at Massachusetts General Hospital evaluating how a birth control pill helps with premenstrual mood symptoms. Women who participate will receive study [...]

Nutritional Supplements for Premenstrual Syndrome: Do They Work?
Posted on January 24, 2008
Many promote the use of certain vitamins and minerals for the treatment of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), but controlled studies supporting the use of nutritional supplements are sparse.
There is some literature suggesting that the recommended dose of calcium (600 milligrams twice a day) can help to relieve mild to moderate [...]

Oral Contraceptives for the Treatment of Premenstrual Mood Symptoms
Posted on November 13, 2007
Oral contraceptives are commonly prescribed for the treatment of premenstrual symptoms and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD); however, the evidence supporting the use of oral contraceptives in this setting is limited. While most studies have shown that oral contraceptives are not effective for the treatment of premenstrual symptoms, there is preliminary evidence that a new [...]

Two MGH Center for Women’s Mental Health Physicians Featured in Elle Magazine
Posted on September 28, 2007
Lee S. Cohen, MD, and Hadine Joffe, MD, MSc, shared their expertise in reproductive health and oral contraceptives (OC) for Elle magazine’s recent article, “Against the Flow.” The article discusses Lybrel, the first continuous OC approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This new birth control pill has received attention because its continual low [...]

Expert Guidelines for the Treatment of PMDD
Posted on August 31, 2007
In this review, guidelines for the treatment of PMDD are provided.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most widely used pharmacologic agents for treating depression and anxiety disorders, and several have also emerged as first-line treatment for premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). In numerous clinical trials, SSRIs have demonstrated efficacy in reducing the physical and behavioral [...]

Intermittent Dosing of SSRIs for PMS
Posted on April 6, 2000
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors or SSRIs have been shown to be effective for the treatment of premenstrual symptoms. These medications are not only useful for treating the irritability, depression [...]


