Cohort study, 1990
Does long-term estradiol implant therapy help PMS symptoms?
Yes, all 50 patients had continued benefit for all symptoms over 5.6 years, with 74 to 96 percent relief depending on the symptom. However, about 58 percent developed progestin side effects, and 8 patients needed hysterectomy.
What they did
50 patients receiving estradiol implants for PMS were followed for an average of 5.6 years (range 2 to 8 years). Most also received progestin to protect the uterus. Researchers tracked symptom relief and complications.
What they found
All symptoms improved, with bloating relieved in 74% and depression in 96%. Menstrual cycle control improved in 31 patients and periods became less painful in 30 patients. However, 58% developed cyclical progestogenic symptoms from the progestin. Seven patients had persistent severe symptoms despite dose or type adjustments. Eight patients had hysterectomies: 5 for continuing progestogenic symptoms, 1 for prolapse, 2 for prolonged bleeding. Four patients developed cystic hyperplasia. Uterine enlargement occurred in all 8 hysterectomy patients. No blood clots, pulmonary embolism, breast disease, or atypical endometrial hyperplasia occurred.
What it means for you
Estradiol implants effectively relieve PMS symptoms long-term, but progestin side effects are common and challenging to manage. Some patients need surgery to address these effects. There was no control group, so we cannot compare to doing nothing. The main practical limitation is managing progestin-related symptoms.
50
patients with PMS treated
74-96%
symptom relief range (bloating to depression)
58%
developed progestin-related side effects
About the study
- Original title
- The long-term effects of estradiol implant therapy for the treatment of premenstrual syndrome
- Authors
- Watson NR, Studd JW, Savvas M et al.
- Journal
- Gynecological endocrinology : the official journal of the International Society of Gynecological Endocrinology
- Year
- 1990
- Study design
- Cohort study
- Participants
- 31
- What was tested
- Estradiol implants with progestin management
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.3109/09513599009012326
Topics
Related studies
Randomised trial, 2012
Do hysterectomy or hormonal IUDs reduce premenstrual symptoms in women with heavy periods?
Systematic review, 2007
What treatments work for premenstrual syndrome?
Review, 2012
Does stopping ovulation help premenstrual symptoms?
Case report, 2023
Can stopping ovulation help severe PMDD when other treatments do not work?
Survey study, 2015
Does migraine increase during menopause, and can hormone therapy help?
Non-randomised trial, 2014
Does hormone therapy help women with depression linked to periods and menopause?