Survey study, 2025
Which Kampo medicines do Japanese doctors use for PMS and PMDD?
19.5% of Japanese gynecologists prefer Kampo medicine for PMS/PMDD. Different doctors choose different types based on their experience and whether they work in a clinic or hospital.
What they did
Secondary analysis of a survey of 1,259 Japanese obstetricians and gynecologists from September to November 2021. Doctors reported which Kampo prescriptions and other treatments they use for PMS and PMDD.
What they found
19.5% of doctors preferred Kampo prescriptions including Tokishakuyakusan, Kamishoyosan, Keishibukuryogan, or Yokukansan. Less experienced doctors (under 20 years) more often chose Tokishakuyakusan and Keishibukuryogan. Private clinic practitioners more often chose Kamishoyosan and Yokukansan.
What it means for you
Some Japanese doctors prefer Kampo medicine for PMS/PMDD, but this survey shows what doctors prefer, not whether these treatments actually work. More research is needed to test effectiveness.
1,259
doctors surveyed
19.5%
preferred Kampo medicine
About the study
- Original title
- Kampo Prescriptions for Premenstrual Syndrome and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder: A Secondary Analysis of Nationwide Survey by JSOG Women's Health Care Committee
- Authors
- Takeda T, Yoshimi K, Inoue F et al.
- Journal
- The Tohoku journal of experimental medicine
- Year
- 2025
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 1,259
- What was tested
- None - this was a survey of doctor treatment preferences
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1620/tjem.2025.j019
Topics
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