Therapeutic patents for the treatment of premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder: historical perspectives and future directions

Approximately 5 – 8% of women report premenstrual symptoms severe enough to impair daily function and are said to suffer from premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Many more report milder symptoms, which, collectively, are termed premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Over the last 40 years, hundreds of compounds have been patented for the treatment of PMS and PMDD, including hormone-based therapies, serotonergic drugs, vitamins and minerals, and dietary supplements. Advances continue to be made, including the development of compounds with GABAergic activity and gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonists. This historical overview will highlight key patents for the treatment of PMS/PMDD that have appeared since 1963 and thus trace the evolving understanding of the aetiology of these disorders.