Randomised trial, 1980
Does mefenamic acid help premenstrual symptoms?
Yes, mefenamic acid significantly improved premenstrual tension, irritability, depression, pain and headache, but was not effective for breast symptoms.
What they did
37 women with premenstrual symptoms were studied through three menstrual cycles. After a control cycle, they received mefenamic acid (500 mg three times daily) and placebo during the luteal phase in random double-blind crossover, with each woman serving as her own control.
What they found
Mefenamic acid significantly improved premenstrual tension, irritability, depression, pain and headache. It was not effective for breast symptoms. Most women with premenstrual symptoms also had menstrual symptoms, which were also improved by mefenamic acid.
What it means for you
Mefenamic acid, an NSAID, helps emotional and pain-related premenstrual symptoms but not breast symptoms. Most women with premenstrual symptoms also have menstrual symptoms, which improved too. This is a small study with only 37 women.
37
women in study
500 mg
mefenamic acid dose
3
menstrual cycles studied
About the study
- Original title
- The treatment of premenstrual symptoms with mefenamic acid
- Authors
- Wood C, Jakubowicz D
- Journal
- British journal of obstetrics and gynaecology
- Year
- 1980
- Study design
- Randomised trial
- What was tested
- Mefenamic acid 500 mg three times daily during luteal phase
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1111/j.1471-0528.1980.tb05018.x
Topics
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