Double-blind randomized crossover trial of luteal phase estrogens (Premarin) in the premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

Eleven patients with moderate to severe premenstrual syndrome were given Premarin during the latter half of the menstrual cycle for at least two cycles, and a placebo for at least two cycles. Mental and physical symptoms were monitored daily with a self-rating scale. Premarin was significantly less effective than placebo in relieving the severity of both mental (p less than 0.02) and physical (p less than 0.02) symptoms of PMS (combined data p less than 0.01). It is concluded that luteal phase Premarin is ineffective as a treatment for PMS, and may actually aggravate the symptoms.