New Treatment May Help Women With Severe PMS
Pill Includes Hormones That Reduce Fluid Retention
UPDATED: 9:35 am EDT July 25, 2003
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CLEVELAND -- Most women suffer from premenstrual syndrome, but for some, it's unbearable. 
But help might be on the way in the form of a new treatment. Wanda Peterson, of Broadview Heights, Ohio, is a newlywed and feels blissful the first two weeks out of the month. But during the second two, watch out: Peterson's family is in the line of fire. "Sometimes I'll just tell 'em, you guys need to leave me alone because I'm not doing good," she said. Peterson is one of thousands of women who suffer from severe PMS. "I knew I had to get some kind of help, medication," she said. Some medication now exists. It's just like a birth control pill, but with the hope it will make life so much better for women with severe symptoms. "Those 10 to 14 days before their period and especially the few days before their period when life just becomes hell," said Dr. Wulf Utian, lead investigator of the study. Utian is helping to test the new treatment, which includes hormones that reduce fluid retention. But the pills aren't for everyone -- just for the women who suffer from premenstrual dysphoric disorder or severe PMS. "(They have) bad headaches, severe depression, severe mood changes, irritability, anger, hostility," he said. The test period lasts three months, and during that time, Peterson is keeping a journal about how she feels. It's too early to tell how the pills are working for her, but she and Utian are hopeful they will provide the relief for which she's been desperate. "Once the study's over, it's possible she would know the direction to take that's going to help her in the future," Utian said. Utian said the risks are minimal, much like the side effects of birth control pills. Doctors are still looking for women between the ages of 18 and 40 to take part in the trial locally. To find out more, call Rapid Medical Research Inc. at 1-888-460-2275. The pill could get Food and Drug Administration approval within a year.
But help might be on the way in the form of a new treatment. Wanda Peterson, of Broadview Heights, Ohio, is a newlywed and feels blissful the first two weeks out of the month. But during the second two, watch out: Peterson's family is in the line of fire. "Sometimes I'll just tell 'em, you guys need to leave me alone because I'm not doing good," she said. Peterson is one of thousands of women who suffer from severe PMS. "I knew I had to get some kind of help, medication," she said. Some medication now exists. It's just like a birth control pill, but with the hope it will make life so much better for women with severe symptoms. "Those 10 to 14 days before their period and especially the few days before their period when life just becomes hell," said Dr. Wulf Utian, lead investigator of the study. Utian is helping to test the new treatment, which includes hormones that reduce fluid retention. But the pills aren't for everyone -- just for the women who suffer from premenstrual dysphoric disorder or severe PMS. "(They have) bad headaches, severe depression, severe mood changes, irritability, anger, hostility," he said. The test period lasts three months, and during that time, Peterson is keeping a journal about how she feels. It's too early to tell how the pills are working for her, but she and Utian are hopeful they will provide the relief for which she's been desperate. "Once the study's over, it's possible she would know the direction to take that's going to help her in the future," Utian said. Utian said the risks are minimal, much like the side effects of birth control pills. Doctors are still looking for women between the ages of 18 and 40 to take part in the trial locally. To find out more, call Rapid Medical Research Inc. at 1-888-460-2275. The pill could get Food and Drug Administration approval within a year. Previous Stories:
- April 1, 2003: Drug Targets Menstrually Associated Migraines
- March 16, 2003: Study: Men's Sweat Affects Female Menstrual Cycle
- March 12, 2003: Mood Swings Sign Of Perimenopause
- January 10, 2003: Women: Find Relief From PMS Symptoms
- November 6, 2002: Men May Have Reason To Be Grumpy
- September 9, 2002: Study: PMS May Cause Fights
- August 5, 2002: Some Men Have PMS-Like Syndrome
- July 3, 2002: Does Menstrual Cycle Affect Weight Loss?
- June 11, 2002: Study Seeks Relief For Women With PMDD
- April 23, 2002: Study Pinpoints Cause Of PMS Depression
- January 25, 2002: Nasal Spray May Relieve PMS Symptoms
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