Skip to content

Study, 1983

What treatments help premenstrual syndrome?

Several medications are used, including birth control pills, diuretics, tranquilizers, and bromocriptine, but no single drug works reliably for everyone. All show a strong placebo effect, suggesting people improve partly from expecting to get better.

Early or limited evidence Review of premenstrual syndrome knowledge and treatments

What they did

This was a review of existing knowledge about premenstrual syndrome, its causes, and how it has been treated.

What they found

Doctors commonly use birth control pills, diuretics, tranquilizers, and bromocriptine to treat premenstrual symptoms. However, no single drug is consistently effective. All medications show a strong placebo effect.

What it means for you

Several treatment options exist, but there's no guaranteed cure. The strong placebo effect suggests that mindset, expectation, and the care people receive matter significantly. The underlying cause of PMS is still unclear.

About the study

Original title
Premenstrual syndrome
Authors
Dunlay J
Journal
The Journal of family practice
Year
1983
Study design
Study

Topics