St John's wort for treating PMS?

 

St Johns wort for treating premenstrual syndrome?

A very recent study was published in the journal, CNS Drugs, which studied the effectiveness of Hypericum perforatum (St John's wort) in treating premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

The intervention group received Hypericum perforatum tablets 900 mg/day (standardized to 0.18% hypericin; 3.38% hyperforin) for two menstrual cycles.

Results:

Hypericum perforatum was statistically superior to placebo in improving physical and behavioural symptoms of PMS (p < 0.05). There were no significant effects of Hypericum perforatum compared with placebo treatment for mood- and pain-related PMS symptoms (p > 0.05).

In short, St. John's wort was effective at improving physical and behavioural symptoms, but not effective for mood or pain symptoms.

***Talk to your doctor about using St. John's wort for treating your PMS symptoms.  St. John's wort should not be taken by those who are already taking antidepressant medication.

St. John's wort can interact with a number of different medications (psychiatric, seizure, blood thinners among others), so make sure you tell your doctor that if you're taking this supplement.

reference:

Canning S, Waterman M, Orsi N, Ayres J, Simpson N, Dye L. The efficacy of Hypericum perforatum (St John's wort) for the treatment of premenstrual syndrome: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.  CNS Drugs. 2010 Mar 1;24(3):207-25