Thousands of women who suffer from premenstrual syndrome (PMS) have been prescribed progesterone and synthetic progesterone-like drugs to help relieve their symptoms. However, a recent review of 14 clinical trials of progesterone and progestogen therapy has found no evidence to support the use of these substances for the treatment of PMS. The cause of PMS is unclear, although many experts suspect it is due to a hormonal imbalance, and the prime suspect has been progesterone as the brain is particularly sensitive to fluctuating levels of the hormone. Thus, the news that supplementary progesterone does not help to reduce mood swings, anger, anxiety, and other symptoms of PMS has come as a surprise to many experts. Roughly one in ten women suffer from PMS that is severe enough to warrant medical treatment.
SOURCE/REFERENCE: Reported by www.reutershealth.com on the 5th October 2001
