Evidence supporting the use of: Estrogen
For the health condition: PMS (general)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Estrogen is sometimes used in the management of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), especially in cases where symptoms are severe and do not respond to standard treatments. The rationale for estrogen therapy is based on the observation that hormonal fluctuations, particularly those involving estrogen and progesterone, play a significant role in the pathophysiology of PMS. Scientific studies have shown that suppression of ovulation—thereby stabilizing hormone levels—can reduce PMS symptoms. Estrogen, often administered as transdermal patches or gels, is sometimes used in combination with progestogens to suppress ovulation and stabilize hormonal fluctuations. Clinical trials, such as those using estradiol patches, have demonstrated some efficacy in reducing both physical and psychological symptoms of severe PMS and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). However, the evidence is not unequivocal, and treatment is typically reserved for cases where other interventions have failed due to potential risks, such as thromboembolism and endometrial hyperplasia when estrogen is used without adequate progestogen opposition. Systematic reviews and guidelines (e.g., NICE guidelines) acknowledge the use of estrogen for severe PMS/PMDD but emphasize careful patient selection and monitoring. Overall, while there is scientific validation for the use of estrogen in specific, severe cases of PMS, its use is not widespread due to safety concerns and the availability of safer alternatives such as SSRIs or combined oral contraceptives.
Other ingredients used for PMS (general)
ashwagandhabeet
black cohosh
borage oil
bupleurum falcatum
calcium
chamomile
chaste tree
DIM (diindolylmethane)
dong quai root
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
evening primrose oil
fennel
flaxseed
gamma linolenic acid (GLA)
green tea
inositol
jujube
kudzu
licorice root
lignans
liquid liver fractions
maca
magnesium
motherwort
pollen
quail egg
relora® (proprietary)
sage
soybean
valerian root
vitamin B6
vitamin C
vitamin D
watermelon
wild yam
zinc
tangerine
bee pollen
lingusticum wallichii
royal jelly
Equol (proprietary)
peach
27-deoxyactein
Alchemilla
Aerva lanata
Agrimonia pilosa
Acetylsalicylic acid
Agnuside
Ashoka
Borage
banana
Cohosh
Calendula
Clary sage
Cnidium
Cyathula
Chocolate
Dong Quai
Eicosapentaenoic Acid
Evening Primrose Oil
Estrogen
Lotus
Sweet Orange alcohol
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by Estrogen
AcneAlzheimer's Disease
Amenorrhea
Breasts (enhance size)
Breasts (swelling and tenderness)
Depression
Estrogen (low)
Hot Flashes
Infertility
Menopause
Menorrhagia
Menstrual Irregularity
Menstruation (scant)
Osteoporosis
PMS (general)
Puberty (hormone balancer)
Sex Drive (low)
Vaginal Dryness