Skip to content

Case report, 2013

Can increasing methadone during the premenstrual period help PMS symptoms?

One woman improved in her premenstrual symptoms when her methadone dose was increased during her premenstrual period. This is one person's experience, so we can't be sure it would work for others.

Early or limited evidence One woman with PMS in treatment for opioid addiction

What they did

Doctors tracked one woman in treatment for opioid addiction who was using heroin to try to manage her premenstrual symptoms. They increased her methadone (the medication she was taking for addiction treatment) during her premenstrual period.

What they found

Increasing the methadone during her premenstrual period produced significant improvement in her premenstrual symptoms.

What it means for you

This is one woman's experience. The case suggests opioid receptors might be involved in premenstrual symptoms, but this is not a standard treatment and needs careful medical supervision.

About the study

Original title
Premenstrual syndrome and self-medication with opioids
Authors
Qurishi R, Sonneborn C, de Jong-Arts M et al.
Journal
Journal of addiction medicine
Year
2013
Study design
Case report
What was tested
Increased methadone dose during the premenstrual period

Topics