Randomised trial, 1991
Do spironolactone and medroxyprogesterone acetate help premenstrual tension?
Yes, both medications significantly reduced symptoms compared to placebo. However, placebo itself also significantly improved symptoms, which is important to know.
What they did
43 women with premenstrual tension participated in a placebo-controlled crossover study. The effects of spironolactone and medroxyprogesterone acetate on 10 premenstrual tension symptoms were evaluated.
What they found
Placebo, spironolactone, and medroxyprogesterone acetate all significantly improved a mood index score. Spironolactone and medroxyprogesterone acetate were both significantly better than placebo (P < 0.05).
What it means for you
Both medications work better than placebo for premenstrual tension. The large placebo effect is notable - many women improved even on sugar pills. This is a small study that should be confirmed in larger research.
43
women
P < 0.05
both drugs better than placebo
10
premenstrual symptoms evaluated
About the study
- Original title
- Premenstrual tension: a placebo-controlled efficacy study with spironolactone and medroxyprogesterone acetate
- Authors
- Hellberg D, Claesson B, Nilsson S
- Journal
- International journal of gynaecology and obstetrics: the official organ of the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics
- Year
- 1991
- Study design
- Randomised trial
- What was tested
- Spironolactone and medroxyprogesterone acetate
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/0020-7292(91)90357-b
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