Bromocriptine (Bromergon, Lek) in the management of premenstrual syndrome

The efficacy of bromocriptine (Bromergon, Lek) was studied in a group of 21 women with premenstrual syndrome (PMS). To qualify for inclusion, the patients had to have a score of 20 or more on Casper's Analog Self-Rating Scale for Premenstrual Tension Syndrome completed during the last premenstrual week. The study was designed as a double-blind, randomized, cross-over trial introduced by a wash-out cycle. Patients received Bromergon in a daily dose of 5 mg from cycle day 10 to the onset of menstruation for two consecutive menstrual cycles, followed by two placebo cycles or vice versa. The subjects were instructed to complete the scale every three days from cycle day 3 to the onset of menstruation. A statistically significant improvement due to the administration of Bromergon was observed in symptoms associated with overreactiveness to normal prolactin levels, i.e. abdominal tension, edema, weight gain and breast tenderness. Scores on the linear analog scale and physician's assessments differed regarding psychological symptoms. The investigators observed no difference in the presence of psychic symptoms in the treatment-free period, on Bromergon therapy and during the administration of placebo. On the other hand, self-rating scores reflected an improvement in the presence of depression and irritability during Bromergon treatment. The results obtained suggest that Bromergon may be a useful agent for the treatment of somatic symptoms associated with PMS, while it seems somewhat less effective in PMS cases where psychic symptoms are the major complaint.