Non-randomised trial, 1985
Does Efamol help severe PMS?
Yes. Efamol reduced PMS symptoms and depression better than placebo. It may work by changing how blood platelets function.
What they did
30 women with severe PMS took either Efamol or placebo. Researchers measured symptoms and also measured a blood protein called thromboxane B2 in platelets. 25 healthy women were measured for comparison.
What they found
Efamol reduced PMS and depression better than placebo. Women taking Efamol had lower thromboxane B2 levels (141 ng/ml) compared to placebo (186 ng/ml, p<0.01) and healthy controls (176 ng/ml, p<0.05). Hormone levels did not change in either group.
What it means for you
Efamol may help severe PMS by changing how platelets work, not by changing hormones. However, only 30 women were studied without clear randomization, so larger well-designed studies would help confirm whether it really works.
30 women
with severe PMS
141 vs 186 ng/ml
thromboxane B2 (Efamol vs placebo)
25
healthy control subjects
About the study
- Original title
- Biochemical and clinical effects of treating the premenstrual syndrome with prostaglandin synthesis precursors
- Authors
- Puolakka J, Mäkäräinen L, Viinikka L et al.
- Journal
- The Journal of reproductive medicine
- Year
- 1985
- Study design
- Non-randomised trial
- Participants
- 25
- What was tested
- Efamol supplement versus placebo
- Read the paper
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3839018/
Topics
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