Results of PMS trial involving bulletin readers presented at American conference
Phyto-estrogen, PMS Relief, tested
In mid-2007, Allison Beard appealed through the e-bulletin for PMS sufferers to take part in a trial on the effectiveness of PMS Relief, a natural herbal treatment designed to alleviate the major symptoms of PMS. There was an excellent response to her request. The study was conducted at the Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, by Allison who is a Complementary Medical Consultant under the supervision of Dr. Jane McKenzie in the Department of Biological Sciences and Dietetics. The results of the trial were presented at the 17th Women's Health Congress of the American Medical Women's Association in Williamsburg, Virginia, USA, and Allison has prepared a summary of her findings for the bulletin. She hopes that they will be of interest both to PMS sufferers and to health practitioners.Queen Margaret University Edinburgh
Allison Beard
Results
Many thanks, to the many NAPS UK members who took part in this successful clinical trial.
The results of the study were presented to a multi-disciplinary audience of Womens health specialists at the 17th Women’s Health Congress held in Williamsburg Virginia, USA.
The study explored the use of a topically applied Phyto-estrogenic cream designed to naturally rebalance female hormone levels and provide relief from premenstrual symptoms (PMS).
Methods
A randomised, double-blind placebo controlled trial was carried out over two menstrual cycles. During the study period, the Phyto-estrogenic cream or the placebo cream was applied twice daily. Symptoms were recorded using a 17 item PMS Daily Symptom Rating Scale at baseline, month one and month two during the study period. Symptoms were compared with baseline and between groups using non-parametric Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon Signed Rank tests. Twenty females were recruited to the study and randomised into two groups (Phyto-estrogenic cream and Placebo).
All study participants were between the ages of 18 and 45 years, met the diagnostic criteria for premenstrual syndrome (DSM criteria) (American Psychiatric Association 1994), had at least a one year history of five or more of the symptoms attributable to the disorder. Five subjects (n=2 from Phyto-estrogenic cream, n=3 from Placebo) withdrew prior to completion of the study.
Results
Patients using the Phyto-estrogenic cream reported significantly lower premenstrual back pain (p<0.04) compared with the Placebo group. Premenstrual depression was significantly reduced (p<0.03) as were premenstrual tension (p<0.01) and irritability (p<0.02).
Conclusions
Twice daily application of the Phyto-estrogenic cream over a two month period was effective in reducing several symptoms of PMS.
Product Availability
The product used in this study is currently being re-formulated by Biologic Healthcare Solutions, Australia.
*A phyto-estrogen is a naturally occurring compound of plants that acts like estrogen in the body.
We would like to congratulate Alison on extending our knowledge of how PMS can be successfully treated and to thank too all those who took part in the trial.
