Randomised trial, 1996
Does hormone replacement therapy prevent low-estrogen side effects of GnRH agonist treatment for severe PMS?
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists help mood symptoms in severe PMS but cause low-estrogen side effects. Adding hormone replacement therapy prevents some side effects (bone loss and hot flashes) but not all progestin side effects.
What they did
A discussion of evidence from multiple studies examining gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist therapy, specifically goserelin (Zoladex), for severe PMS. The article reviews what happens when hormone replacement therapy is added to prevent low-estrogen side effects like bone loss and hot flashes.
What they found
GnRH agonist therapy (goserelin) helped mood symptoms in severe PMS, which are estrogen-responsive. When hormone replacement therapy was added to prevent bone loss and hot flashes, the mood benefit was maintained, but progestin side effects still occurred.
What it means for you
For severe PMS, GnRH agonists can help mood but cause low-estrogen problems. Adding hormones helps prevent bone loss and hot flashes but does not prevent all side effects. Individual treatment may need to be tailored. This is a review article discussing evidence rather than a report of new research.
About the study
- Original title
- The need for add-back with gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist therapy
- Authors
- Studd J, Leather AT
- Journal
- British journal of obstetrics and gynaecology
- Year
- 1996
- Study design
- Randomised trial
- What was tested
- GnRH agonist therapy (goserelin) with and without hormone replacement therapy add-back
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1111/j.1471-0528.1996.tb09506.x
Topics
Related studies
Review, 2012
Do GnRH agonist drugs treat PMS?
Review, 2012
How can doctors manage premenstrual-like symptoms caused by hormonal treatments containing progestogen?
Non-randomised trial, 2002
Is it safe to use hormone therapy alongside GnRH-agonist treatment for severe PMS?
Systematic review, 2023
What hormonal treatments have been tested for PMDD, menstrual migraine, and catamenial epilepsy?
Randomised trial, 2012
Do hysterectomy or hormonal IUDs reduce premenstrual symptoms in women with heavy periods?
Systematic review, 2007
What treatments work for premenstrual syndrome?