---
title: Which Kampo medicines do Japanese doctors use for PMS and PMDD?
description: 19.5% of Japanese gynecologists prefer Kampo medicine for PMS/PMDD. Different doctors choose different types based on their experience and whether they work i
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/kampo-prescriptions-for-premenstrual-syndrome-and-premenstrual-dysphoric-2025/
---

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- Which Kampo medicines do Japanese doctors use for PMS and PMDD?

Survey study, 2025

# Which Kampo medicines do Japanese doctors use for PMS and PMDD?

19.5% of Japanese gynecologists prefer Kampo medicine for PMS/PMDD. Different doctors choose different types based on their experience and whether they work in a clinic or hospital.

 Early or limited evidence

1,259 Japanese obstetricians and gynecologists

## What they did

Secondary analysis of a survey of 1,259 Japanese obstetricians and gynecologists from September to November 2021. Doctors reported which Kampo prescriptions and other treatments they use for PMS and PMDD.

## What they found

19.5% of doctors preferred Kampo prescriptions including Tokishakuyakusan, Kamishoyosan, Keishibukuryogan, or Yokukansan. Less experienced doctors (under 20 years) more often chose Tokishakuyakusan and Keishibukuryogan. Private clinic practitioners more often chose Kamishoyosan and Yokukansan.

## What it means for you

Some Japanese doctors prefer Kampo medicine for PMS/PMDD, but this survey shows what doctors prefer, not whether these treatments actually work. More research is needed to test effectiveness.

1,259

doctors surveyed

19.5%

preferred Kampo medicine

## About the study

Original title Kampo Prescriptions for Premenstrual Syndrome and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder: A Secondary Analysis of Nationwide Survey by JSOG Women's Health Care Committee Authors Takeda T, Yoshimi K, Inoue F et al. Journal The Tohoku journal of experimental medicine Year 2025 Study design Survey study Participants 1,259 What was tested None - this was a survey of doctor treatment preferences Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.1620/tjem.2025.j019](https://doi.org/10.1620/tjem.2025.j019)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[SSRIs and antidepressants](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-ssri/)[Oral contraceptives and drospirenone](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-hormonal-contraceptives/)[GnRH agonists and ovarian suppression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-gnrh/)[Vitex agnus-castus (chasteberry)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-vitex/)[Other herbal medicine](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-herbal-other/)

Research tells you what helps on average. Niyora helps on the day it hits.

Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor.

## Related studies

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Review, 2002

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Study, 2022

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Randomised trial, 2013

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Study, 2008

How common is PMDD and how does it affect women's lives?

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