Methodological issues in studies of premenstrual changes.
The main methodological issues that should be considered in studies of premenstrual changes are discussed. They include: the selection of well-defined groups of subjects who reflect the diversity of subtypes of premenstrual changes (PMC); the confirmation of retrospective reports through daily monitoring of changes by ratings, or by objective procedures when possible; the need to consider the diversity of premenstrual biological changes instead of comparing average levels, since there is a likelihood that different pathophysiological changes are connected with diverse behavioral and mood changes; application of a multivariate, time-related approach to explore the pathophysiology of PMC; the need to exclude placebo responders prior to the active drug phase in treatment trials and the need for such trials to be double-blind, placebo-controlled and, if possible, of a cross-over design. Attention to such issues should lead to increased consistency of findings across studies and eventually to a better understanding of the pathophysiology of PMC and to a rational, effective treatment.
D004092:20-alpha-Dihydroprogesterone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003276:Contraceptives, Oral / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004232:Diuretics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004958:Estradiol / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D006065:Gonadotropins, Pituitary / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D007044:Hysterectomy / Q000523:psychology; D008094:Lithium / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016651:Lithium Carbonate; D008597:Menstrual Cycle; D011293:Premenstrual Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D011374:Progesterone / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012107:Research Design; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D009626:Terminology as Topic
D003276:Contraceptives, Oral; D004232:Diuretics; D006065:Gonadotropins, Pituitary; D004092:20-alpha-Dihydroprogesterone; D016651:Lithium Carbonate; D011374:Progesterone; D004958:Estradiol; D008094:Lithium