--- title: Does fenugreek seed extract reduce PMS symptoms? | Niyora description: In this pilot study, fenugreek reduced PMS symptom scores by an average of 32% and was well tolerated. However, there was no control group, so the improvement url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/effect-of-50-saponin-standardized-fenugreek-extract-on-free-testosterone-an-8-2025/ --- - [Niyora](https://niyora.com/) - [Research](https://niyora.com/research/) - [Library](https://niyora.com/research/library/) - Does fenugreek seed extract reduce PMS symptoms? Randomised trial, 2025 # Does fenugreek seed extract reduce PMS symptoms? In this pilot study, fenugreek reduced PMS symptom scores by an average of 32% and was well tolerated. However, there was no control group, so the improvement could be due to placebo effect. Early or limited evidence 10 women aged 20-35 with moderate-to-severe PMS ## What they did Open-label pilot study of 10 women aged 20-35 with moderate-to-severe PMS. Each received 500 mg of standardized fenugreek extract daily for 2 menstrual cycles. PMS symptoms were measured before and after using the Moos Menstrual Distress Questionnaire. ## What they found By the end of 2 cycles, participants had an average 32% reduction in symptom scores. The most notable improvements were in irritability, breast tenderness, and fatigue. No serious adverse effects were reported. ## What it means for you Fenugreek may help some PMS symptoms, particularly irritability and breast tenderness, and appears safe. This was a very small pilot with no control group or placebo comparison, so improvement could be due to placebo effect. Larger controlled trials are needed. 10 Participants 500 mg/day Fenugreek extract dose 32% Average symptom score reduction ## About the study Original title Effect of 50% Saponin-Standardized Fenugreek Extract on Free Testosterone: An 8-Week Randomized Controlled Trial Authors Ramana Krishnan, Kavitha PS Journal International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research Year 2025 Study design Randomised trial What was tested 500 mg daily fenugreek seed extract standardized to 50% saponin Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2025.v07i06.62443](https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2025.v07i06.62443) Original abstract Background: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a common and often disruptive condition affecting many women’s physical and emotional wellbeing. Fenugreek seed extract, known for its traditional medicinal use, may offer a natural alternative for relief due to its hormonal and anti-inflammatory properties. Objective: To explore the effects of a 500 mg daily dose of fenugreek seed extract on PMS symptoms over two menstrual cycles. Methods: Ten women aged 20–35 years with moderate-to-severe PMS participated in a single-arm, open-label pilot study. Each received 500 mg of standardized fenugreek extract daily. PMS symptoms were evaluated before and after the intervention using the Moos Menstrual Distress Questionnaire (MDQ). Results: By the end of two cycles, participants showed an average 32% reduction in MDQ scores. The most notable improvements were seen in irritability, breast tenderness, and fatigue. No serious adverse effects were reported. Conclusion: Fenugreek seed extract appears to be a safe and promising option for alleviating PMS symptoms. These encouraging results warrant further investigation in larger, controlled trials. Reproduced under CC-BY-SA. ## Topics [Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Irritability and anger](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-irritability-anger/)[Other herbal medicine](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-herbal-other/) 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. ## Related studies Randomised trial, 2012 Does Vitex agnus castus work for PMS, and what dose is best? Randomised trial, 2001 Does agnus castus (Vitex) fruit extract reduce premenstrual syndrome symptoms? Survey study, 2025 Can a chatbot help monitor PMS symptoms over time? Non-randomised trial, 2021 Does a combination of exercise, ginger milk, and massage help premenstrual syndrome? Randomised trial, 2017 Does lemon balm capsule or educational support work better for reducing PMS symptoms? Randomised trial, 2012 Does Vitex agnus castus help women with PMS? Ask AI about this page Copy prompt ChatGPT ↗ Claude ↗ Perplexity ↗ Google AI Mode ↗ Grok ↗