---
title: Does fluoxetine help women with PMDD work better during their menstrual cycle?
description: Yes. In a study of 320 women, both 20 mg and 60 mg per day of fluoxetine significantly improved work capacity by the first treatment cycle. The 20 mg dose was
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/fluoxetine-improves-functional-work-capacity-in-women-with-premenstrual-2003/
---

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- Does fluoxetine help women with PMDD work better during their menstrual cycle?

Randomised trial, 2003

# Does fluoxetine help women with PMDD work better during their menstrual cycle?

Yes. In a study of 320 women, both 20 mg and 60 mg per day of fluoxetine significantly improved work capacity by the first treatment cycle. The 20 mg dose was well-tolerated and quickly reduced symptoms.

 Strong study design

320 women with PMDD

## What they did

Randomized 320 women with PMDD to take fluoxetine 20 mg daily, fluoxetine 60 mg daily, or placebo for 6 menstrual cycles. Researchers measured 8 work-related symptoms before and during treatment.

## What they found

All 8 work-related symptoms were more common before the period than after. Both fluoxetine doses significantly reduced these symptoms compared to placebo by the first cycle. The beneficial response was evident immediately.

## What it means for you

Fluoxetine helps women with PMDD function better at work. The lower 20 mg dose was well-tolerated, which may make it preferable for many women. This is based on a large well-designed study.

320

Women studied

20 mg/day

Effective fluoxetine dose

6 cycles

Treatment duration

## About the study

Original title Fluoxetine improves functional work capacity in women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder Authors Steiner M, Brown E, Trzepacz P et al. Journal Archives of women's mental health Year 2003 Study design Randomised trial Participants 320 What was tested Fluoxetine 20 mg/day, fluoxetine 60 mg/day, or placebo for 6 menstrual cycles Read the paper [doi.org/10.1007/s00737-002-0162-2](https://doi.org/10.1007/s00737-002-0162-2)

## 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/)

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