Spironolactone therapy for premenstrual syndrome

Canadian Medical Association Journal 1996; 154: 1219

Source: Wang M, Hammarbäck S, Lindhe BÅ et al: Treatment of premenstrual syndrome by spironolactone: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 1995; 74: 803-808

Researchers in Sweden conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study to determine whether the aldosterone antagonist, spirono- lactone (100 mg/d orally, taken for 14 premenstrual days per cycle) could improve psychological and somatic symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. Eight consecutive menstrual cycles in 35 women were studied; patient rating of symptoms for the last 8 premenstrual days was the primary outcome measure. Despite strong placebo effects, the treatment group had significantly greater decreases in total negative psychological symptom scores than the placebo group, as well as significantly lower scores for irritability and depression. The treatment group also reported improvement in somatic symptoms, including feelings of swelling, breast tenderness and sweet cravings, an effect not noted by the placebo group. A lasting effect of spironolactone therapy was observed after crossover to placebo.

| CMAJ April 15, 1996 (vol 154, no 8) |