Randomised trial, 1989
Do oestradiol patches help severe premenstrual symptoms?
Yes, oestradiol patches worked better than placebo when women switched from placebo to active treatment. Both groups improved initially, but women who switched from active to placebo got worse, while those who switched from placebo to active maintained or improved their gains.
What they did
40 women were randomly assigned to placebo patches or oestradiol patches (2x100 micrograms) to stop ovulation, plus norethisterone tablets on days 19-26 of the cycle. The study lasted 6 months with treatment switched at the 3-month mark. Women filled out daily symptom questionnaires.
What they found
After 3 months, both groups showed improvement in symptom scores. Between months 3 and 6, women who switched from active treatment to placebo had worsening scores, while those who switched from placebo to active treatment maintained or improved their scores. Significant improvements occurred in five of six negative symptom clusters and six of ten premenstrual distress symptoms when switching to active treatment.
What it means for you
Oestradiol patches helped reduce PMS symptoms more than placebo. However, both groups improved initially, suggesting a strong placebo effect. Small study with only 40 women. Both groups got norethisterone, so it is hard to know how much was from the patches versus the other hormone.
40
women studied
6 months
study duration
100 micrograms
oestradiol dose
About the study
- Original title
- Treatment of severe premenstrual syndrome with oestradiol patches and cyclical oral norethisterone
- Authors
- Watson NR, Studd JW, Savvas M et al.
- Journal
- Lancet (London, England)
- Year
- 1989
- Study design
- Randomised trial
- Participants
- 40
- What was tested
- Oestradiol patches (2x100 micrograms) plus norethisterone versus placebo patches
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/s0140-6736(89)90784-8
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