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Non-randomised trial, 1999

Does taking sertraline only in the second half of the cycle help PMDD?

In this very small study, half of the women who completed treatment (3 out of 6) showed significant improvement in PMDD symptoms with luteal-phase sertraline dosing.

Early or limited evidence 6 women with PMDD at a psychiatric hospital who completed treatment

What they did

Researchers at a psychiatric hospital studied women with PMDD. They identified 7 women with PMDD and treated them with sertraline during the luteal phase (after ovulation). Six women completed the study. Symptoms were tracked daily.

What they found

Of the 6 women who completed the study, 3 showed significant improvement in premenstrual symptoms with sertraline given during the luteal phase.

What it means for you

Luteal-phase sertraline may help some women with PMDD, but only half benefited in this study. The main limit is this is a very small, uncontrolled study with no comparison group, so it is not clear how well this treatment works compared to placebo or other treatments.

7

women with PMDD identified

6

completed the study

3

showed significant improvement

About the study

Original title
[Sertraline in the treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder]
Authors
Culav-Sumić J, Skocilić Z, Jukić V
Journal
Lijecnicki vjesnik
Year
1999
Study design
Non-randomised trial
What was tested
Sertraline during the luteal phase

Topics