Prolactin suppression in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome

Abnormal secretion of prolactin is amongst the many disorders of hormone secretion which have been proposed as potential causes for the common syndrome of premenstrual tension. Eight women suffering from this disorder participated in a five-month double-blind crossover trial of bromocriptine (5 mg per day) given in the luteal phase of the cycle. Significant improvement in most symptoms occurred during active as opposed to placebo therapy, together with objective evidence of a decrease in premenstrual weight gain and breast enlargement. This corresponds with the results of other studies which used bromocriptine in this dosage. The effect may be mediated by suppression of prolactin secretion, but could equally be a direct effect of bromocriptine.