--- title: Does the progestin norethisterone cause premenstrual syndrome-like symptoms? description: Yes, norethisterone caused dose-related adverse effects similar to PMS, particularly at the higher dose. This helps researchers understand what causes PMS. url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/the-effects-of-norethisterone-in-postmenopausal-women-on-oestrogen-replacement-1986/ --- - [Niyora](https://niyora.com/) - [Research](https://niyora.com/research/) - [Library](https://niyora.com/research/library/) - Does the progestin norethisterone cause premenstrual syndrome-like symptoms? Randomised trial, 1986 # Does the progestin norethisterone cause premenstrual syndrome-like symptoms? Yes, norethisterone caused dose-related adverse effects similar to PMS, particularly at the higher dose. This helps researchers understand what causes PMS. Moderate study design 58 postmenopausal hysterectomized women on oestrogen replacement therapy ## What they did 58 postmenopausal women taking oestrogen replacement therapy were given norethisterone 2.5 or 5 mg daily for 7 days, and placebo for two separate 7-day periods, in a randomized, double-blind design. Symptoms were assessed using the Menstrual Distress Questionnaire. ## What they found Adverse effects were dose-related. At 5 mg/day, norethisterone caused significant changes in five out of eight symptom groups: pain, concentration problems, behavioural changes, water retention, and negative affect. ## What it means for you Adding the progestin norethisterone to oestrogen created PMS-like symptoms, which helps explain what may cause PMS. The study used postmenopausal women as a model rather than women with actual menstrual cycles, which limits how much we can apply the findings to real PMS. 58 postmenopausal women studied 5 of 8 symptom groups affected at 5 mg/day 5 mg/day norethisterone dose causing symptoms ## About the study Original title The effects of norethisterone in postmenopausal women on oestrogen replacement therapy: a model for the premenstrual syndrome Authors Magos AL, Brewster E, Singh R et al. Journal British journal of obstetrics and gynaecology Year 1986 Study design Randomised trial Participants 58 What was tested Norethisterone at 2.5 mg or 5 mg daily versus placebo for 7-day periods Read the paper [doi.org/10.1111/j.1471-0528.1986.tb07868.x](https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1471-0528.1986.tb07868.x) ## Topics [Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Perimenopause and menopause](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-perimenopause/) Research tells you what helps on average. Niyora helps on the day it hits. Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor. ## Related studies Systematic review, 2026 Why do some women experience mood changes linked to their menstrual cycle? Guideline, 2024 How should Xiangshao Granules be prescribed for premenstrual tension syndrome? Systematic review, 2023 Does saffron help with PMS, labor pain, and menopause symptoms? Cohort study, 2023 Do women with premenstrual disorders go through menopause earlier and have worse hot flashes? Review, 2018 Which women are most likely to experience hot flashes during menopause? Review, 2017 Can combining different types of treatments help PMS more than using one approach alone? Ask AI about this page Copy prompt ChatGPT ↗ Claude ↗ Perplexity ↗ Google AI Mode ↗ Grok ↗