An evaluation of the efficacy of a homeopathic complex, Premenstron, in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome in terms of the patients' perception

Abstract

The purpose of this double -blind placebo-control1ed study was to evaluate the efficacy of a homeopathic complex, Premenstron\xAE, in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome in terms of the patients' perception of the efficacy of the treatment. Thirty-four patients were selected from volunteers who met the diagnostic criteria developed by Dalton (1984: 19). Of these patients thirty completed the study. These patients were divided into two groups according to simple random sampling. Data was collected at the Homeopathic Day Clinic at Technikon Natal. Half of the patients received a placebo and the other half received the homeopathic complex. Patients were treated over a period of approximately two months (three consultations ). The patients completed the Moos Menstrual Distress Questionnaire at each consultation. The questionnaire consists of 47 symptoms grouped into eight subscales. Results were analysed statistically using the Mann Whitney unpaired test (inter-group comparison) and the Wilcoxon's sign rank test (intra-group comparison). When the three questionnaires for each patient were compared, it was found that the placebo group did improve in the second consultation (P= 0.016) but the placebo effect did not last through to the third consultation. The treatment group