PMS Treatments Not Keeping Pace

A study of women suffering from premenstrual syndrome (PMS) says more than 60 percent are dissatisfied or only somewhat satisfied with medical treatment for their condition since diagnostic guidelines were introduced.

Writing in the Journal of Women's Health, researchers from Southeastern Louisiana University and Baton Rouge's Woman's Health Research Institute say only slightly more than a third of the women surveyed indicated they were very satisfied with medical treatment of the condition.

In 1994, protocols for treatment and diagnosis of the condition were standardized by the nation's leading medical organizations. But the researchers say questions remain as to whether the quality of such treatment and diagnoses has improved.

Of the 220 women surveyed, only 26 percent indicated they received effective treatment for the disorder. The women had been diagnosed with PMS prior to 1994 and were aged 26 to 56 years. Most treatments prescribed included exercise and dietary supplements.

But those most satisfied with medical treatment for the condition listed hysterectomy, natural progesterone, estrogen, antidepressants, diet changes and supplements in order of importance as providing the most effective therapy.