Randomised trial, 1984
Does mefenamic acid help premenstrual tension?
Yes. 86 percent of women reported significant relief of premenstrual tension with mefenamic acid, and the drug appears to work by lowering prostaglandin levels.
What they did
80 women received mefenamic acid for mean 13 months with symptoms tracked. In 19 of these women, prostaglandin levels were measured during 3 cycles: 1 untreated, then 2 cycles of mefenamic acid or placebo in random double-blind order, compared to 22 matched controls.
What they found
Of 80 women treated, 86 percent reported significant relief of premenstrual tension. Dysmenorrhea and menorrhagia symptoms also improved. In the 19 women who had prostaglandin measurements, plasma concentrations of PGE2, PGF2 alpha, and PGFM were significantly lower compared to 22 control subjects across all 3 cycles.
What it means for you
Mefenamic acid helps premenstrual tension, possibly by reducing prostaglandins. However, the main finding (86 percent relief in 80 women) was from an open, uncontrolled study without a placebo group, so placebo effect may play a role. Only 19 of the 80 women had prostaglandin measurements.
80
Women treated
86%
Reported significant relief
13
Mean treatment duration in months
About the study
- Original title
- The treatment of premenstrual tension with mefenamic acid: analysis of prostaglandin concentrations
- Authors
- Jakubowicz DL, Godard E, Dewhurst J
- Journal
- British journal of obstetrics and gynaecology
- Year
- 1984
- Study design
- Randomised trial
- Participants
- 22
- What was tested
- Mefenamic acid for a mean of 13 months
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1111/j.1471-0528.1984.tb05283.x
Topics
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