Randomised trial, 1997
Does a GnRH agonist help PMS symptoms?
Yes, leuprolide significantly reduced PMS symptoms in women whose symptoms were limited to the premenstrual phase. It did not help women whose depression occurred throughout their cycle.
What they did
Thirty-three women with either PMS only or ongoing depression were randomly assigned to receive 3.75 mg leuprolide or placebo injected once monthly for 3 months. Symptoms were recorded throughout.
What they found
Leuprolide significantly reduced PMS symptoms in women with PMS only. Women with ongoing depression showed no improvement. Depression improved in the PMS-only group but persisted in the ongoing-depression group.
What it means for you
This hormone treatment works for women whose PMS symptoms are limited to the premenstrual phase, but not for women whose depression is ongoing. The study was small with only 33 participants.
33
women in study
3.75 mg
monthly leuprolide dose
3
months of treatment
About the study
- Original title
- Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist in the treatment of premenstrual symptoms with and without ongoing dysphoria: a controlled study
- Authors
- Freeman EW, Sondheimer SJ, Rickels K
- Journal
- Psychopharmacology bulletin
- Year
- 1997
- Study design
- Randomised trial
- What was tested
- Leuprolide acetate 3.75 mg depot injection once monthly for 3 months versus placebo
- Read the paper
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9230648/
Topics
Related studies
Review, 2018
What are the most effective treatments for premenstrual syndrome and PMDD?
Case report, 2018
Does dienogest help premenstrual mood changes in someone with schizophrenia?
Randomised trial, 2013
What treatments work for PMDD?
Review, 2024
What do brain wave patterns show about PMS and PMDD?
Systematic review, 2024
What are the best treatments for PMDD and PMS?
Guideline, 2023
How are GnRH agonists used to treat PMDD that doesn't respond to standard medications?