Severe forms of this syndrome are referred to as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
About 3 to 7 percent of women experience the more severe PMDD.
The diagnosis of PMDD has caused controversy connected to the concern that it may be used against women, labeling them as being impaired by their menstrual cycles.
There are many treatments for PMS and PMDD depending on the symptoms and their severity.
For more severe cases and for PMDD, treatments available include antidepressant drugs, hormone treatment, or (only in extreme cases) surgery to remove the ovaries.