PERSISTENCE OF PREMENSTRUAL-SYNDROME DURING LOW-DOSE ADMINISTRATION OF THE PROGESTERONE ANTAGONIST RU-486

Objective: To test whether progesterone or progesterone receptors are important mediators of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and whether progest erone antagonist RU 486 would alleviate symptoms. Methods: Following e xtensive screening including physical and psychological assessment, se ven women with severe PMS participated in a 6-month, randomized, doubl e-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study. The treatment included 3 months of low-dose RU 486 (5 mg alternate days for four doses, beginn ing 3 days after the urinary LH surge) or placebo, administered in a s imilar fashion. Symptoms were evaluated using the Calendar of Premenst rual Experiences, Beck Depression Inventory, State-Trait Anxiety Inven tory, and the Profile of Mood States. Results: Symptoms of PMS were si milar during RU 486 and placebo treatments. Conclusion: Luteal-phase a dministration of low-dose RU 486 does not significantly reduce the phy sical or behavioral manifestations of PMS.