Have any supplements been studied for premenstrual dysphoric disorder?

    Last Updated: October 25, 2023

    A number of supplements, such as myo-inositol, calcium, vitamin E, vitamin D, St. John's Wort, saffron, magnesium, fish oil, curcumin, vitamin B6, vitex agnus-castus (chaste tree), and evening primrose oil, have been studied for premenstrual symptoms.[1][2] Most are only effective for mild to moderate symptoms, when used in combination with other therapies, or to correct nutritional deficiencies.[3] In fact, compared to PMS, there are few trials specific to supplements for PMDD. Chaste tree is perhaps the most well-studied, and although some trials find that it reduces PMDD symptoms, the quality of available evidence is low[4], and it may not be as effective for psychological symptoms as antidepressants.[5]

    References

    1. ^Maharaj S, Trevino KA Comprehensive Review of Treatment Options for Premenstrual Syndrome and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder.J Psychiatr Pract.(2015-Sep)
    2. ^Carlini SV, Lanza di Scalea T, McNally ST, Lester J, Deligiannidis KMManagement of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder: A Scoping Review.Int J Womens Health.(2022)
    3. ^Hantsoo L, Epperson CNPremenstrual Dysphoric Disorder: Epidemiology and Treatment.Curr Psychiatry Rep.(2015-Nov)
    4. ^Verkaik S, Kamperman AM, van Westrhenen R, Schulte PFJThe treatment of premenstrual syndrome with preparations of Vitex agnus castus: a systematic review and meta-analysisAm J Obstet Gynecol.(2017 Aug)
    5. ^Atmaca M, Kumru S, Tezcan EFluoxetine versus Vitex agnus castus extract in the treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorderHum Psychopharmacol.(2003 Apr)