Persistence of premenstrual syndrome during low-dose administration of the progesterone antagonist RU 486.
OBJECTIVE
To test whether progesterone or progesterone receptors are important mediators of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and whether progesterone antagonist RU 486 would alleviate symptoms.


METHODS
Following extensive screening including physical and psychological assessment, seven women with severe PMS participated in a 6-month, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study. The treatment included 3 months of low-dose RU 486 (5 mg alternate days for four doses, beginning 3 days after the urinary LH surge) or placebo, administered in a similar fashion. Symptoms were evaluated using the Calendar of Premenstrual Experiences, Beck Depression Inventory, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and the Profile of Mood States.


RESULTS
Symptoms of PMS were similar during RU 486 and placebo treatments.


CONCLUSIONS
Luteal-phase administration of low-dose RU 486 does not significantly reduce the physical or behavioral manifestations of PMS.
Chan
A F
AF
Department of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla.
Mortola
J F
JF
Wood
S H
SH
Yen
S S
SS
D000328:Adult; D000339:Affect; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005498:Follicular Phase; D006801:Humans; D008183:Luteal Phase; D015735:Mifepristone / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011293:Premenstrual Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology
D015735:Mifepristone