Randomised trial, 1986
Can the pain reliever mefenamic acid ease PMS symptoms?
Yes, in this small trial mefenamic acid improved many physical and mood symptoms of PMS compared with placebo, but the study was very small so this should be seen as an early, not final, answer.
What they did
15 women with PMS were given mefenamic acid and a placebo in a random order over six menstrual cycles. Neither the women nor the researchers knew which treatment was given when (double-blind), and each woman tried both (cross-over design).
What they found
Mefenamic acid significantly improved many physical, mood, and performance symptoms. Fatigue, headache, and general aches and pains improved markedly (P less than .001). Most mood symptoms improved, with freedom from mood swings showing the strongest improvement (P less than .005).
What it means for you
This suggests mefenamic acid may help with common PMS symptoms like fatigue, headache, body aches, and mood swings. The main limit is the very small number of women studied (15), so the results need confirming in larger trials before being seen as settled evidence.
15
Women studied
6
Menstrual cycles tracked
P<.005
Significance for mood swings improvement
About the study
- Original title
- Mefenamic acid in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome
- Authors
- Mira M, McNeil D, Fraser IS et al.
- Journal
- Obstetrics and gynecology
- Year
- 1986
- Study design
- Randomised trial
- Participants
- 15
- What was tested
- Mefenamic acid versus placebo, tested over six menstrual cycles.
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1097/00006250-198609000-00022
Topics
Related studies
Guideline, 2019
How should doctors treat PMS and PMDD?
Randomised trial, 2014
Does the combination of sumatriptan and naproxen sodium reduce menstrual symptoms and migraine?
Systematic review, 2013
Does Vitex (chaste tree) help PMS and PMDD symptoms?
Randomised trial, 2008
Does drospirenone with ethinyl estradiol birth control help PMDD?
Systematic review, 2008
What treatments work best for PMS and PMDD?
Systematic review, 2007
What treatments work for premenstrual syndrome?