Randomised trial, 1990
Does taking estrogen during the luteal phase help PMS?
No. Estrogen was significantly less effective than placebo and may have made symptoms worse.
What they did
11 women with moderate to severe PMS took estrogen (Premarin) during the second half of their cycle for at least two cycles, then took placebo for at least two cycles. Daily symptoms were rated on a scale.
What they found
Premarin was significantly worse than placebo for mental symptoms (p less than 0.02), physical symptoms (p less than 0.02), and combined symptoms (p less than 0.01).
What it means for you
Adding estrogen in the second half of the cycle does not help PMS and may worsen it. This approach should not be used. Limitation: Only 11 women, small study from 1990.
11
women with moderate to severe PMS
p < 0.02
mental and physical symptoms worse
p < 0.01
combined symptoms worse
About the study
- Original title
- Double-blind randomized crossover trial of luteal phase estrogens (Premarin) in the premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
- Authors
- Dhar V, Murphy BE
- Journal
- Psychoneuroendocrinology
- Year
- 1990
- Study design
- Randomised trial
- What was tested
- Premarin (estrogen) during the luteal phase versus placebo
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/0306-4530(90)90072-h