Calcium treatment for premenstrual syndrome

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of calcium supplementation in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome. DATA SOURCES: Clinical literature accessed through MEDLINE (from January 19 67 to September 1999). Key search terms included calcium PMS, and premenstr ual. DATA SYNTHESIS: UP to 50% of women experience some form of premenstrual syn drome. An evaluation of studies focusing on calcium in the management of pr emenstrual symptoms was conducted. CONCLUSIONS: Calcium supplementation of 1201-1600 mg/d, unless contraindica ted, should be considered a sound treatment option in women who experience premenstrual syndrome. The supplemental dose of calcium can be adjusted dow nward in the few patients who routinely consume large quantities of calcium in their diet.