Progesterone has been proposed as a treatment for premenstrual syndrome (PMS), particularly PMS Type P (which refers to symptoms predominantly related to progesterone deficiency or imbalance, such as mood swings, irritability, and anxiety during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle). The rationale for its use stems from the role of progesterone in the menstrual cycle and its potential to counteract the effects of estrogen dominance during the luteal phase.

The scientific evidence for the effectiveness of progesterone in treating PMS is limited and mixed. Several randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews, including a notable Cochrane review (Wyatt et al., 2001), have found that progesterone is no more effective than placebo in alleviating the core symptoms of PMS. While some smaller or older studies suggested possible benefit, larger and better-designed trials have not confirmed significant efficacy. The evidence is stronger for synthetic progestogens than for natural progesterone, but even here, the benefit is modest at best and often accompanied by side effects.

In summary, while there is a plausible biological rationale and a history of use, robust scientific validation for progesterone’s effectiveness in treating PMS Type P is lacking, resulting in a moderate evidence rating.