---
title: Does spironolactone reduce premenstrual syndrome symptoms? | Niyora
description: Yes. More than 80 percent of women with PMS reported relief of psychological symptoms and weight loss when taking spironolactone.
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/treatment-of-premenstrual-syndrome-by-spironolactone-1979/
---

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- Does spironolactone reduce premenstrual syndrome symptoms?

Non-randomised trial, 1979

# Does spironolactone reduce premenstrual syndrome symptoms?

Yes. More than 80 percent of women with PMS reported relief of psychological symptoms and weight loss when taking spironolactone.

 Early or limited evidence

28 women with PMS symptoms

## What they did

28 women took spironolactone in a double blind crossover trial over four menstrual cycles. Hormone levels were measured during the first two cycles and compared between women with and without PMS symptoms.

## What they found

Women with PMS had a higher rise in progesterone during the part of the cycle after ovulation compared to those without symptoms. Spironolactone reduced weight and relieved psychological symptoms in more than 80 percent of women with PMS.

## What it means for you

Spironolactone may help PMS, especially for mood symptoms and weight. The reason it works is unclear. The study is small and from 1979.

28

women with PMS

4 cycles

duration of trial

more than 80%

with relief of psychological symptoms

## About the study

Original title Treatment of premenstrual syndrome by spironolactone Authors O'Brien PM, Craven D, Selby C et al. Journal British journal of obstetrics and gynaecology Year 1979 Study design Non-randomised trial Participants 28 What was tested Spironolactone in a double blind crossover design Read the paper [doi.org/10.1111/j.1471-0528.1979.tb10582.x](https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1471-0528.1979.tb10582.x)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Diuretics and other drugs](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-diuretics-other-drugs/)

Research tells you what helps on average. Niyora helps on the day it hits.

Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor.

## Related studies

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How should doctors treat PMS and PMDD?

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Does the combination of sumatriptan and naproxen sodium reduce menstrual symptoms and migraine?

Systematic review, 2013

Does Vitex (chaste tree) help PMS and PMDD symptoms?

Randomised trial, 2008

Does drospirenone with ethinyl estradiol birth control help PMDD?

Systematic review, 2008

What treatments work best for PMS and PMDD?

Systematic review, 2007

What treatments work for premenstrual syndrome?

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