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.
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
Topics
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