Video
In this webinar, Nicky will discuss the background of changing hormones over the menstrual cycle and how this relates to physiological changes and wellbeing.
She explores how to distinguish physiological changes to those physical and psychological symptoms that interfere with everyday function, from premenstrual syndrome (PMS) to premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
The classification of the different types of PMS (core and variant) will be presented, as well as how to diagnose PMDD. The underlying biopsychosocial aetiology of PMS and PMDD, with a focus on hormonal mechanisms will be discuss.
The webinar will then turn to the progressive management strategies for PMS and PMDD, from lifestyle to medical (hormonal and non-hormonal), surgical and psychological/psychiatric support for PMDD.
As always, we will answer as many questions as possible during this session.
Resources:
- Premenstrual symptom tracker - International Association For Premenstrual Disorders
- Hormones, Health and Human Potential - Sequoia books 2022 ©Dr Nicola Keay
- Management of premenstrual syndrome -Green L, O’Brien P, Panay N et al. Royal College of obstetricians and gynaecologists. BJOG. 2017; 124: e73–e105.
- Towards a consensus on diagnostic criteria, measurement and trial design of the premenstrual disorders: the ISPMD Montreal consensus - O'Brien PMS, Backstrom T, Brown C at al. Women’s Ment Health 2011; 14: 13-21.
- Female-specific pharmacotherapy in ADHD: premenstrual adjustment of psychostimulant dosage - de Jong M, Wynchank DSMR, van Andel E et al. Front Psychiatry. 2023 Dec 13;14:1306194.
- Premenstrual disorders including premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder - The Obstetrician & Gynaecologist 2023 25(1):38-46
- Diagnosis and management of premenstrual disorders - O’Brien S, Rapkin A, Dennerstein L et al. BMJ 2011;342:d2994.
- Suicidal behaviour and the menstrual cycle - Saunders KE, Hawton K. . Psychol Med 2006; 36: 901-12.
- Suicidality in women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder: a systematic literature review - Osborn E, Brooks J, O’Brien PMS et al. Arch Womens Ment Health 2021; 24: 173-184.
- Treatment of premenstrual syndrome: a decision-making algorithm - Panay N. Menopause Int. 2012 Jun;18(2):90-2.
Presenter

Nicky Keay
BA, MA, MB, BChir (Cantab), MRCP
Nicky is an Honorary Clinical Lecturer, Division of Medicine, University College London. She lectures and researches in areas of exercise endocrinology, with publications in this field.
Nicky’s clinical endocrine work is mainly with active women, exercisers, dancers and athletes, with a focus on relative energy deficiency in sport (REDs) and those navigating perimenopause/menopause. Nicky works to provide a more personalised approach for female hormone health. Nicky authored the British Association of Sports and Exercise Medicine Health4performance.co.uk online resource.
Nicky is the medical advisor to Scottish Ballet and author of “Health Hormones and Human Potential: A guide to understanding your hormones to optimise your health and performance”.
Nicky is currently working with colleagues at University College London, backed by leading women’s health organisations, to develop a UK menopause support programme InTune.