Non-randomised trial, 2013
Does hormone desensitization help PMS and improve pregnancy outcomes in women with recurrent miscarriage?
Yes, 21 of 26 women had improved PMS symptoms and 61% had successful pregnancies afterward. This is a very small study with no control group, so we cannot be confident this works.
What they did
A 10-year open-label study of 26 women aged 25-42 with 3-8 previous miscarriages, current PMS, and who tested positive for allergic reactions to sex hormones on skin testing. They received small injections of hormones under the skin to desensitize them to estrogen and/or progesterone. Researchers tracked their PMS symptoms and pregnancy outcomes.
What they found
After treatment, 21 of 26 women had improvement in PMS symptoms that was stable long-term. In subsequent pregnancies, 16 of 26 women (61%) had live births. Five women had two successful pregnancies. No obstetric complications were reported.
What it means for you
Hormone desensitization may help severe PMS in some women and might improve pregnancy success for those with repeated miscarriages. This is based on the theory that sex hormone allergy exists, which is not widely accepted in medicine. The study is small with no comparison group.
26
Women with recurrent miscarriage and PMS
21 of 26
Women with improved PMS symptoms
16 of 26
Women with subsequent live births (61%)
About the study
- Original title
- Intradermal sex hormone desensitization for relief of premenstrual symptoms may improve the obstetric outcome of women with recurrent pregnancy loss
- Authors
- Itsekson AM, Soriano D, Zolti M et al.
- Journal
- Gynecological endocrinology : the official journal of the International Society of Gynecological Endocrinology
- Year
- 2013
- Study design
- Non-randomised trial
- Participants
- 26
- What was tested
- Small injections of estrogen and/or progesterone under the skin to desensitize
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.3109/09513590.2012.730582
Topics
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