Non-randomised trial, 1983
Do drugs that block prostaglandins help PMS?
This paper proposes that prostaglandin-blocking drugs might help PMS based on a theory, but it does not present results from a clinical trial.
What they did
Review article proposing a theory that PMS is caused by too much of a hormone-like substance called prostaglandin produced in the brain, breast, gut, kidneys and reproductive tract. The authors suggest a stepped treatment approach.
What they found
The authors propose that avoiding xanthine-containing foods (coffee, tea, cola and chocolate) and restricting salt during the luteal phase might reduce nervousness, irritability and breast tenderness. For the 20-25% of women who need more help, a prostaglandin inhibitor or natural progesterone given when PMS begins might bring relief. In women with depressive PMS, small daily doses of antidepressant may help.
What it means for you
This is a theoretical proposal for how PMS might work and how to treat it, not evidence from a trial showing these treatments work. Actual clinical trial evidence is needed.
20-25%
of PMS women estimated to need medication
7-10 days
before menses when PMS typically occurs
24 hours
after menses onset when PMS typically stops
About the study
- Original title
- The use of prostaglandin inhibitors for the premenstrual syndrome
- Authors
- Budoff PW
- Journal
- The Journal of reproductive medicine
- Year
- 1983
- Study design
- Non-randomised trial
- What was tested
- Proposed treatments: diet changes, prostaglandin inhibitors, natural progesterone, antidepressants
- Read the paper
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6350580/
Topics
Related studies
Survey study, 1982
How common are premenstrual symptoms in American women, and what factors affect them?
Randomised trial, 2021
Does hypnotherapy reduce pain and emotional distress in women with PMDD?
Randomised trial, 2018
Does swimming reduce premenstrual syndrome symptoms?
Survey study, 2016
Do hormonal contraceptives reduce PMS symptoms?
Survey study, 2025
Can a plant-based supplement reduce PMS symptoms?
Survey study, 2002
How common is premenstrual dysphoric disorder among women in Morocco?