The clinician's view of patients with premenstrual syndrome

Summary

Over the last 5 years approximately 2000 women suffering from premenstrual syndrome have been studied and treated as part of an on-going research programme into the syndrome and its management. From a preliminary analysis of the results of treatment in the first 500 cases, it is estimated that dydrogesterone (10 mg twice daily from Day 12 to Day 26 of the cycle) produced an overall response rate of 70 %, assessed as those cured or greatly relieved of their symptoms. Overall response (55 %) with pyridoxine (40 mg twice daily) was not as satisfactory but some patients in whom the progestagen had been ineflective benefitted greatly. Spironolactone, bromocriptine and MAOIs were used in selected patients. It is recommended that dydrogesterone is best employed first when symptoms of fluid retention and depression predominate, and pyridoxine is best tried first when breast discomfort is the major problem. At least 3-months' treatment is necessary for a reasonable assessment to be made.

Key Words::

• Dydrogesterone
• pyridoxine
• premenstrual tension