Randomised trial, 1994
Does RU 486, a progesterone-blocking medication, help PMS?
No, RU 486 did not reduce PMS symptoms compared to placebo, suggesting that blocking progesterone does not help PMS.
What they did
Seven women with severe PMS participated in a 6-month randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study. They received either low-dose RU 486 (5 mg every other day for four doses) or placebo for 3 months each, starting 3 days after ovulation.
What they found
PMS symptoms were similar during RU 486 treatment and placebo treatment. No significant reduction in physical or behavioral symptoms occurred with RU 486.
What it means for you
Blocking the action of progesterone does not help PMS, which suggests progesterone itself may not be the primary cause of PMS. The study was very small and would need to be repeated in a larger group.
7
women with severe PMS
5 mg
RU 486 dose
6
months total study duration
About the study
- Original title
- Persistence of premenstrual syndrome during low-dose administration of the progesterone antagonist RU 486
- Authors
- Chan AF, Mortola JF, Wood SH et al.
- Journal
- Obstetrics and gynecology
- Year
- 1994
- Study design
- Randomised trial
- What was tested
- RU 486 5 mg every other day for four doses versus placebo
- Read the paper
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7970453/