A pilot study to compare fluoxetine, calcium, and placebo in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome
Yonkers KA, et al.
Published in Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology
Methodology
Randomized, double-blind pilot trial comparing fluoxetine, calcium carbonate and placebo across multiple menstrual cycles in women meeting criteria for premenstrual syndrome, using daily symptom rating diaries.
Key Findings
Fluoxetine produced a clear reduction in premenstrual symptom scores versus placebo, whereas calcium carbonate produced only a small, non-significant improvement over placebo in this pilot comparison.
Conclusions
Fluoxetine had clear therapeutic benefit for premenstrual syndrome, whereas the effect of calcium was much smaller.
Limitations
Pilot study with small sample (n=39) across three arms, underpowered for the calcium comparison, and high day-to-day variability in self-rated symptoms.
Supplements Studied
Fluoxetine had clear therapeutic benefit for premenstrual syndrome, whereas the effect of calcium was much smaller.
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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