Randomised trial, 1980
Does a gamma-globulin/histamine injection help PMS symptoms?
A gamma-globulin/histamine injection produced satisfactory relief in 70% of women in a preliminary study and worked significantly better than placebo in a double-blind trial, especially in women with high IgE levels.
What they did
138 women aged 20 to 39 with PMS symptoms for at least 6 months were studied to examine the relationship between allergies and PMS. A preliminary study tested the injection in 40 patients. A double-blind placebo-controlled trial then tested it in 42 out of 86 women.
What they found
PMS patients had higher rates of allergy history, positive skin test reactions to allergens, and high IgE levels compared to normal controls. In the preliminary study, 70% showed satisfactory response. In the double-blind trial, very effective or effective symptomatic relief was significantly higher in the active treatment group, with best results in patients with high IgE levels.
What it means for you
This injection may help some women with PMS, particularly those with allergy markers. However, these findings are preliminary and from 1980, and the double-blind trial included only 42 women. Modern research is needed to confirm these findings.
138
women aged 20-39 in full study
70%
satisfactory response in preliminary study
42
women in double-blind trial
About the study
- Original title
- Premenstrual syndrome and atopy: a double-blind clinical evaluation of treatment with a gamma-globulin/histamine complex
- Authors
- Atton-Chamla A, Favre G, Goudard JR et al.
- Journal
- Pharmatherapeutica
- Year
- 1980
- Study design
- Randomised trial
- Participants
- 138
- What was tested
- Gamma-globulin/histamine complex by subcutaneous injection
- Read the paper
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6163166/