---
title: Do gonadotropin-releasing hormone injections work for premenstrual syndrome?
description: Yes, GnRH injections significantly improve PMS symptoms. Adding hormones does not reduce their effectiveness.
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/the-effectiveness-of-gnrha-with-and-without-add-back-therapy-in-treating-2004/
---

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- Do gonadotropin-releasing hormone injections work for premenstrual syndrome?

Systematic review, 2004

# Do gonadotropin-releasing hormone injections work for premenstrual syndrome?

Yes, GnRH injections significantly improve PMS symptoms. Adding hormones does not reduce their effectiveness.

 Strong study design

Women with diagnosed premenstrual syndrome or premenstrual dysphoric disorder

## What they did

Meta-analysis of published randomized placebo-controlled trials. Identified trials testing gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues (GnRHa) for premenstrual syndrome management, with or without hormonal add-back therapy.

## What they found

Overall standardized mean difference -1.19 in favor of GnRHa (95% confidence interval -1.88 to -0.51). Odds ratio 8.66 favoring GnRHa (95% confidence interval 2.52 to 30.26). GnRHa more effective for physical than emotional symptoms. Adding hormonal add-back therapy did not reduce effectiveness.

## What it means for you

GnRH injections work well for premenstrual syndrome. Doctors can safely add hormones back to reduce side effects without losing the treatment benefit.

8.66

Odds ratio in favor of GnRH injections

-1.19

Standardized mean difference for GnRH effectiveness

0.12

Mean difference when hormones added back

## About the study

Original title The effectiveness of GnRHa with and without 'add-back' therapy in treating premenstrual syndrome: a meta analysis Authors Wyatt KM, Dimmock PW, Ismail KM et al. Journal BJOG : an international journal of obstetrics and gynaecology Year 2004 Study design Systematic review What was tested Gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues with or without hormonal add-back therapy Read the paper [doi.org/10.1111/j.1471-0528.2004.00135.x](https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1471-0528.2004.00135.x)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[GnRH agonists and ovarian suppression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-gnrh/)[Students and academic performance](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-education/)

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