---
title: Does a low-dose GnRH agonist relieve premenstrual symptoms while keeping regular periods?
description: Low-dose GnRH agonist significantly relieved irritability and depression, and improved physical symptoms like swelling and headache. However, it stopped ovula
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/treatment-of-premenstrual-syndrome-with-gonadotropin-releasing-hormone-agonist-1999/
---

- [Niyora](https://niyora.com/)
- [Research](https://niyora.com/research/)
- [Library](https://niyora.com/research/library/)
- Does a low-dose GnRH agonist relieve premenstrual symptoms while keeping regular periods?

Randomised trial, 1999

# Does a low-dose GnRH agonist relieve premenstrual symptoms while keeping regular periods?

Low-dose GnRH agonist significantly relieved irritability and depression, and improved physical symptoms like swelling and headache. However, it stopped ovulation in 56% of women, making it unsuitable for long-term use if you want regular cycles.

 Moderate study design

27 women with severe premenstrual syndrome

## What they did

Double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study. 27 women with severe PMS took either buserelin (a GnRH agonist) intranasally at 100 micrograms once daily for two months, then placebo for two months, or vice versa. Women rated their mood and physical symptoms daily.

## What they found

Premenstrual irritability and depression were significantly relieved. Positive mood like friendliness and cheerfulness improved. Swelling and headache improved. Breast tenderness was unaffected. In 56% of patients, the treatment stopped ovulation, particularly in older women.

## What it means for you

This medication works for mood and some physical symptoms, but stops ovulation in over half of women, especially older ones. The study was small and doesn't tell us about long-term effects.

27

women with severe PMS

56%

developed anovulation

100 micrograms

daily dose

## About the study

Original title Treatment of premenstrual syndrome with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist in a low dose regimen Authors Sundström I, Nyberg S, Bixo M et al. Journal Acta obstetricia et gynecologica Scandinavica Year 1999 Study design Randomised trial Participants 27 What was tested Buserelin (GnRH agonist) 100 micrograms intranasally once daily for 2 months Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.1080/j.1600-0412.1999.781011.x](https://doi.org/10.1080/j.1600-0412.1999.781011.x)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[Irritability and anger](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-irritability-anger/)[Bloating, breast tenderness and physical symptoms](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-physical-symptoms/)[GnRH agonists and ovarian suppression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-gnrh/)

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

Randomised trial, 2003

What treatments work for PMS and PMDD?

Study, 2026

What are premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder?

Cohort study, 2025

Do estrogen and progesterone each trigger PMDD symptoms differently?

Survey study, 2025

How common is PMDD in Brazilian women and what are the most frequent symptoms?

Cohort study, 2022

What are PMS and PMDD and how should they be diagnosed and treated?

Randomised trial, 2021

Does hypnotherapy reduce pain and emotional distress in women with PMDD?

Ask AI about this page

Copy prompt

ChatGPT

↗

Claude

↗

Perplexity

↗

Google AI Mode

↗

Grok

↗