Randomised trial, 1982
Does lowering prolactin with bromocriptine help premenstrual syndrome?
No. Although bromocriptine lowered prolactin, it was not significantly more effective than placebo. This suggests prolactin alone doesn't cause premenstrual syndrome.
What they did
A double-blind randomized controlled study with 34 women with premenstrual syndrome studied over 5 consecutive menstrual cycles. After a control cycle, women received either bromocriptine (1.25 mg twice daily) for 3 cycles or placebo for 1 cycle, with each woman as her own control. Blood prolactin and progesterone levels were measured.
What they found
Both bromocriptine and placebo considerably improved all premenstrual symptoms, but bromocriptine was not significantly better than placebo. Prolactin levels were within normal limits without treatment and were significantly reduced by bromocriptine. Progesterone levels did not change during treatment.
What it means for you
Even though bromocriptine successfully lowered prolactin, it didn't work better than placebo. This suggests prolactin alone doesn't cause premenstrual syndrome. The improvement in both groups suggests psychological factors may play a role. The study is small and from 1982.
34
Women with premenstrual syndrome
5
Consecutive menstrual cycles studied
1.25 mg
Bromocriptine dose (twice daily)
About the study
- Original title
- Bromocriptine and premenstrual tension: a clinical and hormonal study
- Authors
- Andersch B, Hahn L
- Journal
- Pharmatherapeutica
- Year
- 1982
- Study design
- Randomised trial
- What was tested
- Bromocriptine 1.25 mg twice daily during the luteal phase
- Read the paper
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7201645/
Topics
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