Review, 1987
Does a dietary program with supplements help premenstrual tension symptoms?
Yes, according to both open trials and double-blind studies. A daily supplement of six tablets significantly reduced symptoms compared to placebo over three to six months.
What they did
A review of studies testing a dietary program with guidelines and nutritional supplements. Open trials tested six tablets daily. Double-blind studies compared the program to placebo for three to six months.
What they found
In open trials, six tablets daily gave the best symptom relief during the first three to six months. Double-blind studies showed six tablets daily decreased symptom scores significantly more than placebo. More patients reported feeling better on the program than on placebo. The program also changed hormone levels: serum estradiol 17-beta decreased and serum progesterone increased during the midluteal phase in responding patients.
What it means for you
A dietary supplement program may help some women reduce premenstrual tension symptoms. However, this is a review of studies with varying quality, some open-label rather than blinded. The specific nutrients that work and how they work are not clear.
6
tablets daily
3 to 6
months of treatment
decreased
symptom scores vs placebo
About the study
- Original title
- Role of nutrition in managing the premenstrual tension syndromes
- Authors
- Abraham GE, Rumley RE
- Journal
- The Journal of reproductive medicine
- Year
- 1987
- Study design
- Review
- What was tested
- Dietary program with 6 tablets daily
- Read the paper
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2956416/
Topics
Related studies
Survey study, 2026
What dietary, lifestyle, and psychological factors are associated with PMS in young women?
Randomised trial, 2025
How do leptin levels and combined medical treatments affect premenstrual symptoms in obese women?
Review, 2023
Can herbs and supplements help with PMS symptoms?
Survey study, 2022
What diet, stress, and lifestyle factors are linked to PMS symptoms?
Randomised trial, 2022
Does PMS50 supplementation reduce psychological symptoms of premenstrual syndrome?
Survey study, 2021
What factors affect premenstrual syndrome in teenage girls?