Randomised trial, 1977
Does bromocriptine help premenstrual syndrome?
Bromocriptine improved all PMS symptoms but was significantly better than placebo only for breast pain. This is a small study from 1977, so we can have only moderate confidence.
What they did
21 women with PMS were studied over 3 menstrual cycles. In a double-blind cross-over design, they received bromocriptine (2-5 mg twice daily) and placebo during the luteal phase in random order, with each woman as her own control.
What they found
Bromocriptine reduced serum prolactin levels and improved all PMS symptoms. However, it was significantly better than placebo only for breast pain. Serum progesterone and estradiol were within normal ranges and unchanged.
What it means for you
Bromocriptine may help breast pain in PMS more than other symptoms, with overall improvement possibly partly due to placebo effect. Main limitations: small sample (21 women) and the study is from 1977.
21
women studied
2-5 mg
bromocriptine dose
3
menstrual cycles
About the study
- Original title
- Effect of bromocriptine on the premenstrual syndrome. A double-blind clinical trial
- Authors
- Andersen AN, Larsen JF, Steenstrup OR et al.
- Journal
- British journal of obstetrics and gynaecology
- Year
- 1977
- Study design
- Randomised trial
- What was tested
- Bromocriptine 2-5 mg twice daily versus placebo
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1111/j.1471-0528.1977.tb12601.x
Topics
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