---
title: Does naltrexone help PMS symptoms? | Niyora
description: Yes, naltrexone may help PMS symptoms. Symptoms improved in 11 out of 16 women, with average symptom scores dropping 28 points compared to placebo.
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/clinical-trial-of-naltrexone-in-premenstrual-syndrome-1988/
---

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- Does naltrexone help PMS symptoms?

Randomised trial, 1988

# Does naltrexone help PMS symptoms?

Yes, naltrexone may help PMS symptoms. Symptoms improved in 11 out of 16 women, with average symptom scores dropping 28 points compared to placebo.

 Moderate study design

20 women with PMS

## What they did

20 women with PMS took part in a crossover study where they received naltrexone or placebo during days 9-18 of their cycle for 3 menstrual cycles. Symptoms were rated using the Menstrual Distress Questionnaire.

## What they found

The mean symptom score dropped 28 points on naltrexone compared to placebo. 11 of 16 women showed at least a 10-point improvement on naltrexone. 2 women did worse on naltrexone and 3 had less than 10-point changes. Side effects were nausea, decreased appetite, and dizziness.

## What it means for you

Naltrexone may reduce PMS symptoms for most women. The study was small. Side effects were reported but described as manageable. We don't fully understand how naltrexone helps PMS.

20

women enrolled

28

point drop in symptom score

11

women improved 10+ points

## About the study

Original title Clinical trial of naltrexone in premenstrual syndrome Authors Chuong CJ, Coulam CB, Bergstralh EJ et al. Journal Obstetrics and gynecology Year 1988 Study design Randomised trial Participants 16 What was tested Naltrexone taken on days 9-18 of the menstrual cycle for 3 cycles Read the paper [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3043289/](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3043289/)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)

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