Condition
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Premenstrual syndrome is a cluster of mood and physical symptoms, such as bloating and breast tenderness, that shows up after ovulation, linked to hormonal shifts that affect brain chemistry. The evidence is strongest for lemon balm and chaste tree: trials found PMS symptoms eased with lemon balm, and breast tenderness eased with chaste tree. Only two lemon balm trials, in teenage girls, and one chaste tree trial were reviewed, so the results are early.
Sources: PMID 26339667; PMID 29369810; PMID 26860808
- Supplements studied
- 19
- Graded outcomes
- 18
- Trials
- 50
- People studied
- 7,310
Evidence by supplement
- Strong
- Moderate
- Limited
- Very limited
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PMS Symptoms Moderate Improvement | Improves (the measure goes down) | Moderate effect | 2 studies | 493 people | ||
| Depression Symptoms Moderate Improvement | Improves (the measure goes down) | Moderate effect | 1 study | 100 people | ||
Studies that measured depression symptoms | ||||||
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Breast Tenderness Moderate Improvement | Improves (the measure goes down) | Moderate effect | 1 study | 405 people | ||
Studies that measured breast tenderness | ||||||
| Anxiety Symptoms Small Improvement | Improves (the measure goes down) | Small effect | 64 people | |||
| PMS Symptoms | Improves (the measure goes down) | 9 studies | 883 people | |||
Studies that measured pms symptoms
| ||||||
| Cramps | Improves (the measure goes down) | 64 people | ||||
| Depression Symptoms | Improves (the measure goes down) | 192 people | ||||
| Fatigue Symptoms | Improves (the measure goes down) | 67 people | ||||
| Insomnia Signs and Symptoms | Improves (the measure goes down) | 64 people | ||||
| Irritability | Improves (the measure goes down) | 195 people | ||||
| Migraine Severity | Improves (the measure goes down) | 128 people | ||||
| Sleep Quality | Improves (the measure goes up) | 67 people | ||||
Vitamin B6
- PMS Symptoms: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PMS Symptoms Small Improvement | Improves (the measure goes down) | Small effect | 5 studies | 1,463 people | ||
Vitamin D
- Anxiety Symptoms: improves
- Depression Symptoms: improves
- Cramps: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anxiety Symptoms Small Improvement | Improves (the measure goes down) | Small effect | 2 studies | 346 people | ||
Studies that measured anxiety symptoms | ||||||
| Depression Symptoms | Improves (the measure goes down) | 5 studies | 58 people | |||
Studies that measured depression symptoms
| ||||||
| Cramps | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 897 people | |||
| Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 44 people | |||
Studies that measured total antioxidant capacity (tac) | ||||||
| Fatigue Symptoms | Improves (the measure goes down) | 130 people | ||||
| Interleukin 10 | Improves (the measure goes up) | 44 people | ||||
| Interleukin 12 | Improves (the measure goes up) | 44 people | ||||
| PMS Symptoms | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1,287 people | ||||
Thiamine (Vitamin B1)
- PMS Symptoms: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PMS Symptoms Large Improvement | Improves (the measure goes down) | Large effect | 1 study | 344 people | ||
Studies that measured pms symptoms | ||||||
Calcium
- Depression Symptoms: improves
- Anxiety Symptoms: improves
- PMS Symptoms: changes; see studies
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Depression Symptoms Small Improvement | Improves (the measure goes down) | Small effect | 245 people | |||
| Anxiety Symptoms Small Improvement | Improves (the measure goes down) | Small effect | 66 people | |||
| PMS Symptoms | Changes; see studies | 7 studies | 1,501 people | |||
Studies that measured pms symptoms | ||||||
Manganese
- PMS Symptoms: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PMS Symptoms Moderate Decrease | Improves (the measure goes down) | Moderate effect | 180 people |
Saffron
- Anxiety Symptoms: improves
- Depression Symptoms: improves
- Estrogen: changes; see studies
Zinc
- Anti-Oxidant Enzyme Profile: improves
- Depression Symptoms: improves
- PMS Symptoms: improves
Fish Oil
- Anxiety Symptoms: improves
- Depression Symptoms: improves
- Fatigue Symptoms: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anxiety Symptoms Small Improvement | Improves (the measure goes down) | Small effect | 1 study | 95 people | ||
Studies that measured anxiety symptoms | ||||||
| Depression Symptoms | Improves (the measure goes down) | 14 studies | 95 people | |||
Studies that measured depression symptoms
| ||||||
| Fatigue Symptoms | Improves (the measure goes down) | 95 people | ||||
| Insomnia Signs and Symptoms | Improves (the measure goes down) | 95 people | ||||
| PMS Symptoms | Improves (the measure goes down) | 175 people | ||||
Krill Oil
- Breast Tenderness: improves
- Irritability: improves
- PMS Symptoms: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Breast Tenderness Small Improvement | Improves (the measure goes down) | Small effect | 1 study | 70 people | ||
Studies that measured breast tenderness | ||||||
| Irritability | Improves (the measure goes down) | 70 people | ||||
| PMS Symptoms | Improves (the measure goes down) | 70 people | ||||
| Stress Signs and Symptoms | Improves (the measure goes down) | 70 people | ||||
Wild Yam
- Estrogen
- Prostaglandin E2: improves
- Pain: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Estrogen Mixed effect | 10 people | |||||
| Prostaglandin E2 | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 10 people | |||
| Pain | Improves (the measure goes down) | 10 people | ||||
| Progesterone | Improves (the measure goes up) | 10 people | ||||
Vitamin E
- Anxiety Symptoms: improves
- PMS Symptoms: improves
- Depression Symptoms: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anxiety Symptoms Small Improvement | Improves (the measure goes down) | Small effect | 58 people | |||
| PMS Symptoms | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 213 people | |||
| Depression Symptoms | Improves (the measure goes down) | 58 people |
Magnesium
- Anxiety Symptoms: improves
- PMS Symptoms: improves
- Depression Symptoms: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anxiety Symptoms Small Improvement | Improves (the measure goes down) | Small effect | 126 people | |||
| PMS Symptoms | Improves (the measure goes down) | 5 studies | 311 people | |||
| Depression Symptoms | Improves (the measure goes down) | 3 studies | 126 people |
Inositol
- Depression Symptoms
- PMS Symptoms: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Depression Symptoms No effect | NoneNo effect | 5 studies | 71 people | |||
| PMS Symptoms | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 71 people |
Ginkgo Biloba
- PMS Symptoms: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PMS Symptoms | Improves (the measure goes down) | 2 studies | 85 people |
Royal Jelly
- PMS Symptoms: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PMS Symptoms | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 110 people |
Valerian
- PMS Symptoms: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PMS Symptoms | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 100 people |
Curcumin
- PMS Symptoms: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PMS Symptoms | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 70 people |
Key findings
- PMS SymptomsImproves (the measure goes down)
- Breast TendernessImproves (the measure goes down)
- Anxiety SymptomsImproves (the measure goes down)
The Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) protocol
2 primary supplements · 2 supporting supplements
- Vitex (Chaste Tree Berry)20–40 mg daily (standardized extract)
- Calcium1,000–1,200 mg daily
Shop the evidence-backed picks
The collection holds the supplements we grade A or B for its theme, in third-party tested products where the catalog has them. It opens in our Fullscript store. You can look through it without signing in; Fullscript asks for a free account to order.
Or shop one supplement
The supplements graded A or B for Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). Each opens third-party tested products for that supplement.
- Grade A
- Grade A
- Grade B
- Grade B
- Grade B
- Grade B
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Studies cited
100 studies from PubMed
- Effect of curcumin on inflammatory markers and disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A meta-analysis.
- Effect of vitamin D supplementation for major adverse cardiovascular events: a meta-analysis based on randomised controlled trials.
- The Effect of Antioxidant Polyphenol Supplementation on Cardiometabolic Risk Factors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
- The Effectiveness of Curcumin, Resveratrol, and Silymarin on MASLD: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
- Effect of Ginkgo biloba Extract on Cognitive Function: A Systematic Review
- Efficacy and Safety of Ginkgo biloba in Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Meta-Analysis
- Ginkgo biloba Extract (EGb 761): Pharmacological Activities and Clinical Outcomes
- Ginkgo biloba L. Historical Background and Current Applications in Medicine
- Ginkgo biloba and Brain Health: A Comprehensive Review
- Safety Profile of Ginkgo biloba Extract: Evidence from Clinical Trials
- Optimal Vitamin D Status: Evidence and Guidelines
- Vitamin D and Cancer Prevention: A Comprehensive Review
- Curcumin alleviates postprandial glycaemic response in healthy subjects: A cross-over, randomized controlled study
- Substantial Variability Across Individuals in the Vascular and Nutrigenomic Response to an Acute Intake of Curcumin: A Randomized Controlled Trial
- Pharmacokinetics and Bioavailability of Ginkgo biloba Extract
- Neuroprotective Effects of Ginkgo biloba Extract: A Review
- Efficacy of Ginkgo biloba on Peripheral Arterial Disease: Meta-Analysis
- Ginkgo biloba Extract for Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Meta-Analysis
- Myo-Inositol in Patients with PCOS: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
- Myo-Inositol and D-Chiro-Inositol in PCOS Treatment: A Meta-Analysis
- Inositol and Insulin Resistance: Mechanisms and Clinical Evidence
- Inositol and Depression: A Systematic Review
- Manganese and Bone Health: A Systematic Review
- Manganese and Neurotoxicity: Evidence from Occupational and Environmental Studies
- Manganese and Antioxidant Defense: Mechanisms and Clinical Implications
- Manganese Homeostasis and Transport: Current Understanding
- Effects of Vitamin D Supplementation on Musculoskeletal Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
- Vitamin D and Prevention of Respiratory Tract Infections: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
- Effects of Vitamin D Supplementation on Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
- Vitamin D and Immune Function: A Review
- Vitamin D Supplementation for Prevention of Mortality: A Meta-Analysis
- Vitamin D Supplementation During Pregnancy: Safety and Efficacy Review
- Curcumin supplementation improves vascular endothelial function in healthy middle-aged and older adults by increasing nitric oxide bioavailability and reducing oxidative stress
- Ginkgo biloba Extract for Cognitive Decline and Dementia: A Cochrane Review Summary
- Ginkgo biloba for Tinnitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
- Ginkgo biloba Special Extract EGb 761 in Dementia: A Review
- Inositol and PCOS: A Comprehensive Review of Clinical Evidence
- Inositol in Anxiety Disorders: A Systematic Review
- Myo-Inositol in Gestational Diabetes: A Meta-Analysis
- Inositol and Fertility: A Comprehensive Review
- Safety and Efficacy of Inositol in Clinical Practice: A Review
- Manganese: Essentiality and Toxicity - A Review
- Manganese Deficiency and Supplementation: A Review
- Manganese and Cognitive Function: Evidence from Human Studies
- Safe Upper Levels of Manganese Intake: A Review of Evidence
- Vitamin D Supplementation: A Comprehensive Review of Efficacy for Various Health Outcomes
- Vitamin D Deficiency: Global Health Perspective
- Vitamin D and Cardiovascular Disease: A Review of Evidence
- Vitamin D and Bone Health in Adults: A Systematic Review
- Novel Form of Curcumin Improves Endothelial Function in Young, Healthy Individuals: A Double-Blind Placebo Controlled Study
- Efficacy of Ginkgo biloba in Treating Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Meta-Analysis
- Inositol Effects on Metabolic Syndrome: A Systematic Review
- The Role of Manganese in Human Metabolism: A Review
- Dietary Manganese Intake and Health: A Comprehensive Review
- Vitamin D3 supplementation does not modify cardiovascular risk profile of adults with inadequate vitamin D status
- Effect of different curcuminoid supplement dosages on total in vivo antioxidant capacity and cholesterol levels of healthy human subjects
- Effects of Curcuma longa (turmeric) on postprandial plasma glucose and insulin in healthy subjects
- Combined inhibitory effects of soy isoflavones and curcumin on the production of prostate-specific antigen
- Association of A1C levels with vitamin D status in U.S. adults: data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
- Effect of NCB-02, atorvastatin and placebo on endothelial function, oxidative stress and inflammatory markers in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a randomized, parallel-group, placebo-controlled, 8-week study
- Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D, ethnicity, and blood pressure in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
- Chili, but not turmeric, inhibits iron absorption in young women from an iron-fortified composite meal
- Reduction of rise in blood pressure and cortisol release during stress by Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761) in healthy volunteers
- A pilot study to compare fluoxetine, calcium, and placebo in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome
- Dietary calcium and manganese effects on menstrual cycle symptoms
- Calcium in milk products precipitates intestinal fatty acids and secondary bile acids and thus inhibits colonic cytotoxicity in humans
- Faecal steroid excretion in humans is affected by calcium supplementation and shows gender-specific differences
- The effect of calcium supplementation in people under 35 years old: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
- Calcium supplementation, bone mineral density and bone mineral content. Predictors of bone mass changes in adolescent mothers during the 6-month postpartum period
- Testosterone levels in athletes at rest and exhaustion: effects of calcium supplementation
- Effect of calcium on premenstrual syndrome: A double-blind randomized clinical trial
- Effects of calcium supplement therapy in women with premenstrual syndrome
- Calcium carbonate and the premenstrual syndrome: effects on premenstrual and menstrual symptoms. Premenstrual Syndrome Study Group
- Calcium supplementation in premenstrual syndrome: a randomized crossover trial
- Calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D supplementations as complementary therapy for hypertensive patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
- Calcium supplementation in nulliparous women for the prevention of pregnancy-induced hypertension, preeclampsia and preterm birth: an Australian randomized trial. FRACOG and the ACT Study Group
- World Health Organization randomized trial of calcium supplementation among low calcium intake pregnant women
- Association Between Calcium Supplementation and the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
- Calcium supplementation during pregnancy for preventing hypertensive disorders and related problems
- Risk factors associated with preeclampsia in healthy nulliparous women. The Calcium for Preeclampsia Prevention (CPEP) Study Group
- Calcium supplementation for prevention of primary hypertension.
- Calcium supplementation (other than for preventing or treating hypertension) for improving pregnancy and infant outcomes.
- Effects of Maternal Nutritional Supplements and Dietary Interventions on Placental Complications: An Umbrella Review, Meta-Analysis and Evidence Map
- Effectiveness of calcium supplementation in the prevention of gestational hypertension: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.
- Calcium supplementation for people with overweight or obesity.
- Efficacy of Vitex agnus castus L. extract Ze 440 in patients with pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS)
- Efficacy and safety of Vitex agnus-castus extract for treatment of premenstrual syndrome in Japanese patients: a prospective, open-label study
- Dose-dependent efficacy of the Vitex agnus castus extract Ze 440 in patients suffering from premenstrual syndrome
- Use of Vitex agnus-castus in migrainous women with premenstrual syndrome: an open-label clinical observation
- Evaluating therapeutic effect in symptoms of moderate-to-severe premenstrual syndrome with Vitex agnus castus (BNO 1095) in Chinese women
- Therapeutic effect of Vitex agnus castus in patients with premenstrual syndrome
- Fluoxetine versus Vitex agnus castus extract in the treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder
- Treatment for premenstrual syndrome with Vitex agnus castus: A prospective, randomized, multi-center placebo controlled study in China
- Effects of Vitex agnus and Flaxseed on cyclic mastalgia: A randomized controlled trial
- Efficacy of Curcuma longa in relieving pain symptoms of knee osteoarthritis patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials.
- Curcuma longa extract reduces inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers in osteoarthritis of knee: a four-month, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial
- Efficacy and safety of curcumin and its combination with boswellic acid in osteoarthritis: a comparative, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study
- Short-term effects of highly-bioavailable curcumin for treating knee osteoarthritis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled prospective study
- Safety and efficacy of curcumin versus diclofenac in knee osteoarthritis: a randomized open-label parallel-arm study
- Curcuminoid treatment for knee osteoarthritis: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial