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 …