What is the treatment for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)?

From the FDA Drug Label

Drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol tablets may also be taken to treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) if you choose to use the Pill for birth control. Two multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled studies were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol tablets in treating the symptoms of PMDD. In both trials, women who received drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol tablets had statistically significantly greater improvement in their Daily Record of Severity of Problems scores.

The treatment for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol tablets.

• Key points:
  • Drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol tablets are used to treat PMDD symptoms.
  • The tablets have been shown to be effective in two clinical trials.
  • Women taking the tablets had significant improvement in their symptoms compared to those taking a placebo. 1 1 1

From the Research

Treatment Options for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)

The treatment for PMDD can be categorized into several options, including:

• Lifestyle changes, such as stress management, healthy diet, regular aerobic exercise, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and fortified coping strategies 2
• Medications, including:
  • Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
  • Diuretics 2
  • Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists 2
  • Vitamin and mineral supplements, such as calcium supplementation 3, 4
  • Other psychiatric medications, such as venlafaxine, duloxetine, alprazolam, and buspirone 3
• Hormonal treatments, including:
  • Combined hormonal contraceptive (CHC) pills, specifically the 20 mcg ethinyl estradiol/3mg drospirenone in a 24/4 extended cycle regimen 5
  • Other combined monophasic, extended cycle hormonal contraceptive pills with less androgenic progestins 5
• Non-pharmacological treatments, including:
  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) 6
  • Psychotherapeutic management, including relaxation therapies and other forms of talk therapy 4, 6

Considerations for Treatment

When considering treatment options for PMDD, it is essential to:

• Evaluate the severity of symptoms and their impact on daily life 3, 6
• Consider the patient's medical history, plans for procreation, contraindications, and preferences 5, 6
• Differentiate PMDD from other clinically related disorders, such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS) 6
• Develop a personalized treatment plan that may involve a combination of lifestyle changes, medications, and non-pharmacological interventions 2, 3, 4, 5, 6