Progesterone for premenstrual syndrome.

Area of Science:

• Gynecology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) affects approximately 5% of women, causing severe symptoms in the two weeks preceding menstruation.
• Progesterone therapy is explored for PMS to address potential hormonal deficiencies or imbalances.
• Potential mechanisms include restoring progesterone levels or mitigating its effects on the brain and electrolytes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of progesterone in treating premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms.
• To identify and report any adverse events associated with progesterone treatment for PMS.

Main Methods:

• A systematic search of multiple databases (Cochrane, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO) was conducted up to February 2011.
• Included were randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of progesterone in women diagnosed with PMS.
• Two independent reviewers extracted data, with efforts to obtain missing information from trial investigators.

Main Results:

• Only two of 17 initially identified studies met the inclusion criteria, involving 280 participants.
• The studies varied significantly in design, participant criteria, progesterone dosage, and delivery methods, precluding meta-analysis.
• Reported adverse events were generally mild; one study suggested potential benefit in a subgroup after excluding ineligible participants, while the other found no significant difference between progesterone and placebo.

Conclusions:

• Current evidence is insufficient to establish progesterone as an effective treatment for PMS.
• The reviewed trials did not identify specific subgroups of women who benefit from progesterone.
• Further research is required to explore potential benefits, optimal dosing, and efficacy in distinct patient populations.