Hormonal treatments for premenstrual syndrome

Ovarian function appears to play a fundamental role in premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Accordingly, treatment strategies designed to suppress ovulation have generally been found to be effective for treatment of menstrually related syndromes and symptoms. GnRH agonists and Danazol(R) are probably inferior to estrogen, due to their unfavorable side effects profile. In addition, it is worthwhile to emphasize that in spite of the publicity of progesterone treatment for PMS, in most well-controlled studies it has not been shown to be more effective than placebo for the treatment of these syndromes. The efficacy of hormonal treatments that do not suppress ovulation is still controversial.