Randomised trial, 1988
What causes PMS and what are the treatment options?
The cause of PMS remains unknown, though leading theories involve prostaglandins, endorphins, or progesterone deficiency. Treatments include education, diet, exercise, and various medications. Most people with PMS can be helped.
What they did
This editorial discusses what is known and unknown about PMS, the main theories about its causes, and current treatment options based on available research.
What they found
PMS is controversial and poorly understood. Three main theories about causes are prostaglandin abnormalities, endorphin issues, or progesterone deficiency. Current treatments include education and counseling, dietary changes, regular exercise, vitamin supplements, diuretics, prostaglandin inhibitors, and progesterone. The author warns against unproven fad treatments.
What it means for you
There is significant uncertainty about PMS, but doctors can still help patients. The main takeaway is that education, lifestyle changes, and rational medical treatment are important. This reflects the knowledge in 1988 before many modern treatments were studied.
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Main theories about PMS causes (prostaglandins, endorphins, progesterone)
About the study
- Original title
- Premenstrual syndrome
- Authors
- Wickes SL
- Journal
- Primary care
- Year
- 1988
- Study design
- Randomised trial
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/s0095-4543(21)01272-0
Topics
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