Non-randomised trial, 1984
Does stopping hormone production help severe PMS?
Yes. In this 6-month study of 8 women, a GnRH agonist (which stops ovarian hormone production) relieved both physical and behavioral symptoms. Long-term safety is unknown.
What they did
A crossover study over 6 months in 8 women with well-characterized PMS who took a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist that temporarily stops the ovaries from producing hormones.
What they found
Physical and behavioral symptoms were relieved by the hormone agonist.
What it means for you
This approach may help severe PMS in the short term. However, the study was very small (8 women) and long-term safety and the need for prolonged treatment remain unknown.
8
Women studied
6
Months of study
About the study
- Original title
- The premenstrual syndrome. Effects of "medical ovariectomy"
- Authors
- Muse KN, Cetel NS, Futterman LA et al.
- Journal
- The New England journal of medicine
- Year
- 1984
- Study design
- Non-randomised trial
- What was tested
- Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist given daily
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1056/nejm198411223112104
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