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Survey study, 1983

Do the treatments doctors use for premenstrual tension actually work?

Doctors have tried many treatments for PMS including hormones, vitamins, and psychotherapy, but the results are mixed and conflicting. Without understanding the cause of PMS, there is no single universally accepted effective treatment.

Early or limited evidence Review of existing clinical trials

What they did

Reviewed clinical trials of various therapies for premenstrual tension, including sex steroid hormones, vitamins, prolactin inhibitors, diuretics, psychiatric drugs, and psychotherapy.

What they found

Clinical trials with natural progesterone, synthetic progestogens, androgens, estrogens, contraceptive pills, vitamin B6, dopamine agonists, diuretics, psychoactive drugs, and psychotherapy have given conflicting results.

What it means for you

Because the cause of PMS remains unclear, treatments are based on different theories and none has proven universally effective. Future research needs well-controlled, double-blind trials with large numbers of participants keeping daily symptom records.

About the study

Original title
A critical assessment of therapy for the premenstrual tension syndrome
Authors
Chakmakjian ZH
Journal
The Journal of reproductive medicine
Year
1983
Study design
Survey study
What was tested
Review of multiple treatment approaches

Topics