These results demonstrate that the onset of behavioral symptoms is not simply related to reproductive hormonal changes that occur during the premenstrual phase. The study, however, does not rule out that previous cyclical changes in reproductive hormones may have contributed in some way to the continuation of PMS symptoms in these women. Pregnancy tests were given to potential participants to insure that pregnant women were not admitted to the study. All study participants rated the severity of their PMS symptoms over a five-month period. Seven women received mifepristone alone to end their premenstrual phase prematurely and induce menstruation.
Mifepristone causes menstruation by blocking the action of progesterone.
Mifepristone induced menstruation in two to three days, while hCG preserved the premenstrual phase. The National Institute of Mental Health is part of the Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Administration. The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development is part of the National Institutes of Health. These institutes and the Food and Drug Administration are among the components of the Public Health Service family of health agencies within the Department of Health and Human Services.