Positive Health Online

Abstract

STEVENSON and ERNST, Department of Complementary Medicine, School of Postgraduate Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Exeter, UK reported a pilot study of Hypericum perforatum for the treatment of premenstrual syndrome.

Background

Methodology

The authors performed a prospective, open, uncontrolled, observational study involving nineteen women with premenstrual syndrome who were in otherwise good health and not taking other treatments for premenstrual syndrome. Volunteers underwent a preliminary screening interview, completed daily symptom ratings for one cycle and attended a medical screening visit before being diagnosed with premenstrual syndrome. Participants took hypericum tablets for two complete menstrual cycles (1x300mg hypericum extract per day standardized to 900 microgram hypericin). Symptoms were rated throughout the trial using a validated measure. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale and modified Social Adjustment Scale were administered at baseline and after one and two cycles of treatment.

Results

There were significant reductions in all outcome measures, The degree of improvement in overall premenstrual syndrome scores between baseline and the end of the trial was 51%, with over two-thirds of the sample demonstrating at least a 50% decrease in symptom severity.

Conclusion

The results of this pilot study suggest that there is scope for conducting a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial to investigate the value of hypericum as a treatment for premenstrual syndrome.

References

Stevinson C and Ernst E. A pilot study of Hypericum perforatum for the treatment of premenstrual syndrome. British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology 107(7): 870-6. Jul 2000.