Non-randomised trial, 1994
Does leuprolide injection with hormone replacement help women with severe PMS?
Yes. Women had significant improvement in water retention, pain, and psychological symptoms over 12 months. However, this is a strong medication, the study included only 10 women, and long-term bone health effects need more study.
What they did
Prospective trial of 10 women with moderate to severe PMS. Each woman served as her own control. All received one cycle of placebo injections, then 12 cycles of leuprolide 7.5 mg injection combined with conjugated equine estrogen 0.625 mg daily (Monday through Saturday) and medroxyprogesterone acetate 10 mg daily for 10 days every 4th cycle.
What they found
During treatment there was significant decrease in water retention, pain, and psychological symptoms compared to baseline and placebo. Cholesterol levels did not change significantly. Bone density dropped an average of 3.7 units after 12 months but this was not statistically significant. The uterine lining was protected with no evidence of abnormalities.
What it means for you
The treatment works for symptom relief over 12 months. The main limits are the very small sample size and questions about long-term bone safety. This is an intensive, serious medication, not a first-line treatment.
10
women treated
12
treatment cycles
3.7
average bone density drop
About the study
- Original title
- Depot leuprolide acetate with estrogen and progestin add-back for long-term treatment of premenstrual syndrome
- Authors
- Mezrow G, Shoupe D, Spicer D et al.
- Journal
- Fertility and sterility
- Year
- 1994
- Study design
- Non-randomised trial
- What was tested
- Leuprolide acetate 7.5 mg injection for 12 cycles plus estrogen and progesterone add-back
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/s0015-0282(16)57053-8
Topics
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