Non-randomised trial, 1984
Does elevated prolactin cause premenstrual tension?
No. Prolactin levels were normal in women with severe PMS. When a drug that lowers prolactin was given, hormone levels changed but symptoms did not improve.
What they did
Measured prolactin levels at different cycle phases in 37 women with severe PMS and 4 controls. Later, 30 women with severe PMS were treated with bromocriptine.
What they found
All prolactin values were normal. Afternoon prolactin showed slight increase before period in some women, but one-third had decreased levels. Bromocriptine changed hormone levels but did not improve symptoms.
What it means for you
Prolactin probably does not cause PMS. The study was very small (37 women, only 4 controls) and included only women with severe symptoms, limiting how much we can generalize.
37
Women with severe PMS
30
Treated with bromocriptine
1/3
Had decreased prolactin before period
About the study
- Original title
- Plasma prolactin and severe premenstrual tension
- Authors
- Steiner M, Haskett RF, Carroll BJ et al.
- Journal
- Psychoneuroendocrinology
- Year
- 1984
- Study design
- Non-randomised trial
- Participants
- 26
- What was tested
- Bromocriptine (a drug that affects prolactin levels)
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/0306-4530(84)90019-2
Topics
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