Randomised trial, 1999
Does danazol given only during the luteal phase help PMS and breast pain?
Danazol was highly effective for premenstrual breast pain but not for general PMS symptoms, with minimal side effects.
What they did
100 women with PMS and premenstrual breast pain took either 200 mg of danazol or placebo daily during only the luteal phase (second half of the cycle). The study lasted 3 menstrual cycles in a double-blind design.
What they found
Danazol significantly improved breast pain in all 3 months compared to placebo. However, it did not improve other PMS symptoms or overall PMS scores. Side effects were minimal and equal between danazol and placebo groups.
What it means for you
Danazol may be a targeted option for premenstrual breast pain when used only in the luteal phase, which may reduce side effects. It does not help with other PMS symptoms. Longer studies are needed to confirm long-term safety.
100
Women in study
200 mg
Daily dose of danazol
3
Menstrual cycles studied
About the study
- Original title
- Randomized controlled trial of the management of premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual mastalgia using luteal phase-only danazol
- Authors
- O'Brien PM, Abukhalil IE
- Journal
- American journal of obstetrics and gynecology
- Year
- 1999
- Study design
- Randomised trial
- Participants
- 100
- What was tested
- Danazol 200 mg daily during luteal phase only or placebo
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/s0002-9378(99)70142-0
Topics
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