Systematic review, 2001
Does progesterone or progestogens help manage PMS?
No, progesterone has no clinically meaningful benefit compared to placebo, and progestogens show only a small improvement that doesn't matter in practice. This comes from a high-quality review of many randomized trials, so the conclusion is fairly reliable.
What they did
Systematic review of 10 randomized controlled trials of progesterone therapy (531 women) and 4 trials of progestogens (378 women), comparing these treatments to placebo.
What they found
Progesterone had an odds ratio of 1.05, meaning no clinically important benefit over placebo. Progestogens had an odds ratio of 1.07, showing statistically significant improvement but not clinically meaningful enough to recommend.
What it means for you
These hormone treatments don't work well enough to recommend for managing PMS. This is based on a rigorous review of many controlled trials, making the conclusion fairly reliable. However, it doesn't explain why some women feel they benefit.
531
women in progesterone trials
378
women in progestogens trials
1.05
odds ratio for progesterone versus placebo
About the study
- Original title
- Efficacy of progesterone and progestogens in management of premenstrual syndrome: systematic review
- Authors
- Wyatt K, Dimmock P, Jones P et al.
- Journal
- BMJ (Clinical research ed.)
- Year
- 2001
- Study design
- Systematic review
- What was tested
- Progesterone (suppositories or oral) or progestogens compared to placebo
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1136/bmj.323.7316.776
Topics
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