Ethinyl Estradiol-Drospirenon Versus Vitex Agnus-Castus Extract in Efficacy of the Treatment of Premenstrual Syndrome

Abstract

Aim: The premenstrual syndrome (PMS), which causes emotional and physical symptoms, is a common problem in reproductive age women. Several treatment modalities has been used in PMS. But controversial results has been observed in treatment. The present study was performed to compare vitex agnus castus (VAC) and ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone (EE-Drs) in the treatment of PMS. Material ve Method: It was a prospective, randomised, placebo-controlled study carried out in our clinic. A total of 120 patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to EE-Drs, VAC group or placebo group. Eligible patients were treated with EE-Drs, VAC extract and placebo for consecutive three cycles. Symptoms were documented with PMS diary (PMSD). Main efficacy variable was the reduction percentage of 15 symptom score documented in PMSD during the luteal phase of the third treatment cycle. Visual Anolog Scale (VAS) was used in assessment of PMS semptoms. Results: After the treatment, there was statistically significant difference between the groups for anxiety (p<0,001), crying attack (p<0,001), bloating (p<0,001), fatique (p<0,001), increased appetite (p<0,001), insomia (p<0,001), nausing (p< 0,001), decreased coordination (p< 0,001), breast tenderness (p=0,003), drop in sexual desire (p=0,007). VAC was more effective for decreased coordination while EE-Drs was more effective for crying attact. Discussion: VAC and EE-Drs are effective option in the treatment of PMS. The treatment should be individualized according to the patient's complaint.