Modification of symptoms of the premenstrual syndrome during ovarian suppression with goserelin (Zoladex) depot – potential for research and clinical investigation

Abstract

Eleven women with premenstrual problems were treated in an open study for up to 6 months with goserelin (Zoladex) 3.6mg by monthly subcutaneous depot. Twice weekly assay of urinary estronc glucuronide and pregnanediol demonstrated absence of ovulation and suppression of estrogen excretion to within or below the early follicular phase range. Physical and psychological symptoms, measured by daily self assessment, were significantly improved during therapy. However, some subjects continued to record intermittent episodes of swelling and adverse mood in the absence of changes in ovarian activity. Three women reported marked but transient worsening of anxiety and/or depression soon after the onset of ovarian suppression, one later withdrawing from the study. Return of ovulatory menstruation was preceded by recurrence of symptoms at pretreatment levels, although breast discomfort which was consistently improved during therapy showed a more sustained improvement. Although conclusions are limited by the lack of a...