Which medication class is considered the most effective for treating PMS symptoms such as irritability and depressed mood?

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are recognized as the most effective medication class for treating premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms, particularly irritability and depressed mood. Research has shown that SSRIs can greatly alleviate mood-related symptoms of PMS by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, which plays a crucial role in regulating mood and emotional state.

SSRIs can be taken continuously or only during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, allowing flexibility in treatment based on an individual's needs. The efficacy of SSRIs in managing both emotional and physical symptoms of PMS makes them a go-to option for healthcare providers when addressing these concerns in patients.

While other medication classes such as NSAIDs can help manage pain and discomfort associated with PMS, and oral contraceptives can stabilize hormone fluctuations that contribute to symptoms, neither directly addresses irritability and mood disturbances as effectively as SSRIs do. Progesterone may be used in some cases for hormone regulation, but it is not typically the primary treatment for mood-related symptoms in PMS. Thus, the evidence supports SSRIs as the most effective choice for managing the emotional components of PMS.