Depo-Provera (DMPA), also known as the birth control shot, is a highly effective form of contraception that lasts for 3 months, and thus requires only 4 injections per year. DMPA contains a long-lasting form of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate that works as a contraceptive agent by preventing the ovaries from releasing an egg each month. [...]

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 [...]

Up to 25% of women experience migraine headaches during their reproductive years; often migraine headaches may be triggered or exacerbated by hormonal changes. It has been estimated that 7-14% of women experience migraines only during the premenstrual or menstrual phase of their cycles. Another 52-70% experience headaches throughout the month but note increased [...]

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 [...]

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 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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

Preliminary reports have suggested that menstrual irregularity may occur more commonly in women with mood disorders than in the general population. What has been unclear, however, is whether these menstrual cycle irregularities reflect an underlying disruption of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis in women with mood disorders or are caused by the psychotropic medications used to [...]

During the period before menstruation, many women report experiencing psychological and physical symptoms collectively referred to as premenstrual syndrome (PMS). The fruits, leaves and flowers of Vitex agnus castus (the Chaste Tree) have traditionally been used to relieve these symptoms. While the mode of action is not clear, the effects of the plant seem to [...]

During the two weeks prior to the onset of a menstrual period, many women experience physical symptoms, such as bloating, breast tenderness, headache, and muscle aches. A small proportion of women also note [...]

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 [...]