First Advisor

Claire Wheeler

Date of Award

Summer 2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Public Health Studies: Pre-clinical Health Science and University Honors

Department

OHSU-PSU School of Public Health

Language

English

Subjects

Premenstrual syndrome, Premenstrual dysphoric disorder, Menstrual health, Mental health care, Allopathic medicine, Integrative medicine

Abstract

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) affect a notable percentage of people who menstruate. PMS/PMDD have a wide range of symptoms that negatively impact mental well-being and quality of life. This review is the culmination of a database search to review current allopathic treatments for PMS/PMDD, which often include oral contraceptives and antidepressants, and explore evidence-based methods for integrative and alternative treatments to address some of the limitations of standard allopathic care, including limitations on which symptoms they address and side effects. This paper aims to examine how integrative medicine may expand existing treatments for PMS and PMDD symptoms, with a focus on mental health care. It was discovered that integrative treatments, such as medicinal plants, cognitive behavioral therapy, and acupuncture, may be used instead of or in combination with allopathic approaches to more comprehensively address mental health symptoms, individualize treatment and mitigate treatment side effects. This is necessary to provide effective mental health care to all people who menstruate who wish to address PMS/PMDD symptoms.

Persistent Identifier

https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/44044

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