Menstrually Related Disorders: Points of Consensus, Debate, and Disagreement (original) (raw)

Menstrually Related Disorders (MRDs) are quite preva lent, and in some women they are severe enough to warr ant treatment. In most of the literature and in clin ical practice, the focus has been on the premenstrual period, and most frequently the descriptive diagnosis given reflects that focus (e.g., Premenstrual syndrome [PMS)). Advances in the understanding of MRDs and formulation of adequate treatment when warranted, are hindered by the lack of agreed upon defmitions and di agnostic criteria. The etiology and pathophysiology of the various MRDs are still unknown, and there are no specifIc medications or somatic treatments for sufferers that have been approved by the American Food and Drug Administration or any other major regulatory agency. A constructive step toward progress in the under standing and eventual treatment of MRDs can be taken by the delineation of points of consensus and con troversy.