Study, 1984
Can oestradiol implants that stop ovulation relieve premenstrual syndrome?
Yes. In this study, 84% of the 92 women treated had complete or almost complete relief of PMS symptoms, and 93% found the implants better than their previous treatments.
What they did
They treated 92 women with PMS (including 16 who also had menstrual migraine) with subcutaneous implants of oestradiol. The initial dose was usually 100 mg, reduced to 50 mg every 6 months. Treatment continued for up to 7 years, with an average duration of 2.0 years.
What they found
Complete or almost complete relief of PMS symptoms was reported by 84%. Previous medication was reduced or discontinued by 83%. Of those women where a comparison with previous treatments could be made, 93% considered implant therapy most effective. However, when progestogen was added to induce regular monthly bleeding and prevent uterine changes, 45% had the return of premenstrual symptoms, though less severe and shorter duration than before.
What it means for you
Oestradiol implants that suppress ovulation can relieve PMS for most women treated this way. The main limit is that this was not a controlled study with a comparison group, so we cannot be certain whether the improvement was due to the treatment or other reasons like natural changes over time or expectation.
92
Women with PMS treated
84%
Had complete or almost complete relief of symptoms
2.0 years
Mean duration of treatment
About the study
- Original title
- Management of the Premenstrual Syndrome by Subcutaneous Implants of Oestradiol
- Authors
- Adam L Magos, W. P. Collins, J. W. W. Studd
- Journal
- Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics & Gynecology
- Year
- 1984
- Study design
- Study
- Participants
- 92
- What was tested
- Subcutaneous oestradiol implants to suppress ovulation
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.3109/01674828409017452
Topics
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