---
title: Is bromocriptine an effective treatment for PMS, and does the timing of doses matter?
description: Bromocriptine, especially when taken cyclically (only part of the menstrual cycle), helped relieve PMS symptoms, particularly breast pain. However, side effec
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/cyclical-or-continuous-treatment-of-the-premenstrual-syndrome-pms-with-1984/
---

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- Is bromocriptine an effective treatment for PMS, and does the timing of doses matter?

Non-randomised trial, 1984

# Is bromocriptine an effective treatment for PMS, and does the timing of doses matter?

Bromocriptine, especially when taken cyclically (only part of the menstrual cycle), helped relieve PMS symptoms, particularly breast pain. However, side effects occurred in 43% of women and 21% stopped taking the medication.

 Early or limited evidence

268 women with PMS symptoms

## What they did

268 women with PMS symptoms, especially breast symptoms, were treated with bromocriptine in two ways for three menstrual cycles. Some took it continuously at 1.25 mg twice daily every day. Others took it cyclically at 1.25 mg once daily from cycle day 11-13, then 1.25 mg twice daily from cycle day 14 until menstruation.

## What they found

Bromocriptine was most effective for breast symptoms. Cyclical treatment was more effective than continuous treatment for breast swelling and pain. Side effects occurred in 43% of patients and 21% stopped treatment due to side effects. There was no difference in side effects between continuous and cyclical treatment. Seventy percent of patients considered the bromocriptine treatment good or fairly good.

## What it means for you

Bromocriptine can help with PMS, especially breast pain, and cyclical dosing may work better than taking it every day. However, side effects are common and some women have to stop treatment, so this is important context when deciding about this medication.

268

women treated

43%

experienced side effects

21%

stopped treatment

## About the study

Original title Cyclical or continuous treatment of the premenstrual syndrome (PMS) with bromocriptine Authors Ylöstalo P Journal European journal of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive biology Year 1984 Study design Non-randomised trial What was tested Bromocriptine at 1.25 mg, given continuously or cyclically for three cycles Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.1016/0028-2243(84)90112-6](https://doi.org/10.1016/0028-2243(84)90112-6)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Diuretics and other drugs](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-diuretics-other-drugs/)

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