---
title: Does duloxetine help treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder? | Niyora
description: Yes. 65% of the 20 women improved by at least 50%, with statistically significant overall symptom reduction. However, this was a small uncontrolled pilot stud
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/duloxetine-treatment-for-women-with-premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder-a-single-2009/
---

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- Does duloxetine help treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder?

Randomised trial, 2009

# Does duloxetine help treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder?

Yes. 65% of the 20 women improved by at least 50%, with statistically significant overall symptom reduction. However, this was a small uncontrolled pilot study, so larger research is needed to confirm results.

 Early or limited evidence

20 women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder

## What they did

20 women with PMDD took 60 mg of duloxetine daily for three menstrual cycles. Before treatment started, they had two confirmation cycles including one on placebo. Doctors measured their symptoms before and after.

## What they found

65% of women had at least a 50% reduction in symptoms. Symptom scores dropped significantly in the first cycle and stayed improved throughout (p=0.0002). Functional impairment and quality of life also improved. Common side effects were dry mouth, nausea, drowsiness, insomnia, decreased appetite, decreased libido, and sweating.

## What it means for you

Duloxetine may help PMDD symptoms, and side effects were generally mild with benefits lasting throughout treatment. However, this was a small uncontrolled pilot study. Larger double-blind placebo-controlled studies are needed.

65%

Women with at least 50% symptom reduction

20

Number of women

3

Menstrual cycles of treatment

## About the study

Original title Duloxetine treatment for women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder: a single-blind trial Authors Ramos MG, Hara C, Rocha FL Journal The international journal of neuropsychopharmacology Year 2009 Study design Randomised trial Participants 20 What was tested Duloxetine 60 mg daily for three menstrual cycles Read the paper [doi.org/10.1017/s1461145709000066](https://doi.org/10.1017/s1461145709000066)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[SSRIs and antidepressants](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-ssri/)[Quality of life and daily functioning](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-quality-of-life/)

Research tells you what helps on average. Niyora helps on the day it hits.

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## Related studies

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