---
title: Does calcium reduce PMS symptoms? | Niyora
description: Yes, this large study of 497 women found that calcium supplementation reduced PMS symptoms during the luteal and menstrual phases. This is strong evidence fro
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/calcium-reduced-pms-symptoms-during-the-luteal-phase-of-the-menstrual-cycle-1999/
---

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- Does calcium reduce PMS symptoms?

Randomised trial, 1999

# Does calcium reduce PMS symptoms?

Yes, this large study of 497 women found that calcium supplementation reduced PMS symptoms during the luteal and menstrual phases. This is strong evidence from a well-designed trial.

 Strong study design

497 healthy women aged 18-45 (mean 33) in US, 80% white, with moderate or severe PMS

## What they did

A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial at 12 US health centers. 497 healthy women aged 18-45 years (mean age 33, 80% white) with regular menstrual cycles and confirmed moderate or severe PMS symptoms were given calcium carbonate or placebo.

## What they found

Calcium supplementation reduced PMS symptoms during the luteal and menstrual phases of the menstrual cycle. Women needed mood swings, depression, tension, anxiety, anger, or crying spells to qualify.

## What it means for you

Calcium appears to be an effective supplement for PMS. The study was large and well-designed with 497 women. It was done in the United States primarily in white women, so results may vary in other populations.

497

Women studied

18-45 years

Age range of participants

mean 33 yrs

Mean age of participants

## About the study

Original title Calcium reduced PMS symptoms during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle Authors Lynne S. Giddings Journal Evidence-Based Nursing Year 1999 Study design Randomised trial What was tested Calcium carbonate vs placebo Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.1136/ebn.2.2.43](https://doi.org/10.1136/ebn.2.2.43)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Menstrual cycle and mood](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-cycle-mood/)[Anxiety and tension](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-anxiety/)[Oral contraceptives and drospirenone](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-hormonal-contraceptives/)[Calcium](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-calcium/)

Research tells you what helps on average. Niyora helps on the day it hits.

Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor.

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