Bromocriptine and premenstrual tension: a clinical and hormonal study

Abstract

Thirty-four patients suffering from the premenstrual syndrome were studied during 5 consecutive menstrual cycles. After a control cycle, bromocriptine and placebo were given during the luteal phase of the cycle in a random, double-blind manner, each patient serving as her own control. Bromocriptine (1.25 mg twice daily) was given for 3 cycles and placebo for 1 cycle. Serum prolactin levels were within normal limits without treatment and were significantly reduced by bromocriptine. Serum progesterone did not change during treatment. Medication considerably improved all the premenstrual symptoms but bromocriptine was not significantly better than placebo. These results do not support the hypothesis that prolactin alone causes premenstrual symptoms.