Premenstrual disorders: Premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder

Abstract Recently, the term premenstrual disorders (PMDs), which includes premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder as a continuum, has been proposed. Although the precise etiology of PMDs remains unknown, the involvement of hormonal fluctuations is clear. The brain transmitters, serotonin and γ‐amino butyric acid, also seem to be involved. Serotonin reuptake inhibitors and oral contraceptives are the current mainstay of treatment, but these are insufficient. Even the currently used prospective two‐period symptom diary is not widely used in actual clinical practice, creating a major problem of discrepancy between research and clinical practice. In this review, I would like to outline the latest information and problems in the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of PMDs, with an emphasis on promising new therapies.