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.
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
Topics
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