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Randomised trial, 2003

Does leptin explain why women develop PMS symptoms?

Probably not. Leptin levels did not change with successful PMS treatment, so leptin may not be the cause of PMS.

Moderate study design 28 women with PMS and 20 without PMS

What they did

Randomized controlled study of 28 women with PMS and 20 without. Women with PMS received either leuprolide acetate 3.75 mg (injected once) plus tibolone 2.5 mg daily, or leuprolide plus placebo. Blood levels of leptin, estradiol, and progesterone were measured before and after 2 months of treatment.

What they found

Leptin levels did not differ between groups or change over time. Estradiol and progesterone dropped significantly during treatment. Before treatment, leptin correlated with estradiol and progesterone, but this link disappeared after treatment. All women with PMS improved significantly.

What it means for you

Leptin does not appear to explain why this PMS treatment works. The study was limited to one type of treatment and women in one country.

28

women with PMS

2.5 mg

tibolone daily dose

2

months of treatment

About the study

Original title
Serum leptin levels in patients with premenstrual syndrome treated with GnRH analogues alone and in association with tibolone
Authors
Tommaselli GA, Di Carlo C, Bifulco G et al.
Journal
Clinical endocrinology
Year
2003
Study design
Randomised trial
Participants
14
What was tested
Leuprolide 3.75 mg plus tibolone 2.5 mg daily versus leuprolide plus placebo

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