Randomised trial, 1977
Does dydrogesterone help premenstrual tension symptoms?
Yes, over 70% of women reported cure or marked improvement. Fluid retention improved almost completely, but mental symptoms and breast pain improved less. This was early evidence needing confirmation with a controlled study.
What they did
Preliminary study in 50 women with lower than normal luteal phase progesterone. Dydrogesterone 10 mg twice daily was given from day 12 to day 26 of the menstrual cycle for at least 2 cycles.
What they found
Over 70% of women reported cure or marked overall improvement. Fluid retention symptoms were almost universally cured. Mental symptoms were greatly improved but not always completely relieved. Breast discomfort was rarely relieved. No side effects reported.
What it means for you
Dydrogesterone may help premenstrual symptoms, especially water retention, but this had no placebo control group, so we cannot be sure how much improvement was due to the drug versus expectation. Mental symptoms and breast pain may respond less well.
50
women studied
70%
had cure or marked improvement
10
mg twice daily dose
About the study
- Original title
- The treatment of premenstrual tension with dydrogesterone (‘Duphaston’)
- Authors
- RONALD W. TAYLOR
- Journal
- Current Medical Research and Opinion
- Year
- 1977
- Study design
- Randomised trial
- Participants
- 50
- What was tested
- Dydrogesterone 10 mg twice daily from day 12 to day 26 of menstrual cycle
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1185/03007997709115299
Topics
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