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Randomised trial, 1988

Does stopping ovulation with buserelin help premenstrual tension syndrome?

Yes, buserelin (which stops ovulation) worked significantly better than placebo and eliminated the monthly symptom pattern. This shows the menstrual cycle is the cause of these symptoms.

Moderate study design 26 women with premenstrual tension syndrome (23 completed)

What they did

26 women with PMS received buserelin nasal spray (400 micrograms once daily) or placebo in a double-blind crossover design. 23 women completed the study. Women rated their symptoms daily for 2 baseline cycles, then for up to 6 treatment cycles or 6 months. Blood samples for hormone levels were taken weekly.

What they found

Both placebo and buserelin were better than the woman's own baseline symptoms. Buserelin was significantly better than placebo. Women on placebo still had symptoms that changed monthly at the end of treatment, but women taking buserelin no longer had this monthly pattern.

What it means for you

Stopping ovulation clearly helps PMS and eliminates the monthly pattern of symptoms. Small study with 26 women. The study proves the menstrual cycle is involved in causing these symptoms.

26

women enrolled (23 completed)

400 micrograms

buserelin dose daily

6 months

study duration

About the study

Original title
Induced anovulation as treatment of premenstrual tension syndrome. A double-blind cross-over study with GnRH-agonist versus placebo
Authors
Hammarbäck S, Bäckström T
Journal
Acta obstetricia et gynecologica Scandinavica
Year
1988
Study design
Randomised trial
Participants
26
What was tested
GnRH-agonist buserelin nasal spray 400 micrograms daily versus placebo

Topics