We currently have 2 active studies...

Sertraline (also known as Zoloft) to treat moderate PMS.  This study doses the active medication or placebo for the 10-14 days before you get your period- depending on your symptoms- to treat moderate emotional symptoms of PMS.  Women appreciate the benefit of medication while not needing to take pills all month long.  Another easy treatment study which offers free care and flexible scheduling, with token reimbursement.  Se habla español. 

Call (203)764-5719 or  Email Joanne for info 

Calcium vs. fluoxetine (also known as Prozac or Sarafem), compared to placebo, to treat mild-moderate PMS symptoms.  This study evaluates which is more effective to treat emotional and physical premenstrual discomforts- medication or calcium?  The study is 7 months long and offers free treatment, although no compensation.  The visit schedule is very easy on your time and schedule- office visits are flexible and many appointments are over the telephone.  Se habla español. 

Call (203)764-6615 or  Email Heather for info

Antidepressant Medication used in research trials:

Fluoxetine (FDA approved as Sarafem for the treatment of PMDD) is compared to calcium in a clinical trial to treat premenstrual symptoms.  Sertraline (FDA approved as Zoloft for the treatment of PMDD) is being investigated in a "symptom-onset" dosing format in our new study beginning July 2007. 

Dr. Yonkers and a host of other women's health researchers have discovered that levels of the neurochemical serotonin, which plays a role in depression and anxiety, differ in women who suffer from PMS or PMDD.  Drugs that regulate levels of serotonin, such as fluoxetine, sertraline and paroxetine, are known to be effective treatments for the mood symptoms of PMS.  Calcium may be effective for the physical symptoms of PMS.  The PMS & Postpartum Research Center is currently investigating this with funds provided by the Donaghue Women's Health Foundation.

  "Each study is different," Dr. Yonkers explains, "because we treat moderate to severe mood, behavioral, and physical symptoms with different medications.  We have options for just about everyone with PMS or PMDD.  There is help for women suffering from premenstrual symptoms."

Basic study participant qualifications:

• Female
• Age 18-48
• Regular menstrual cycles (has a period every month, between 24-35 days apart)
• Have PMS/PMDD during most every cycle
• Not currently taking prescription anti-depressant or anti-anxiety medication

• Please call us for a free, confidential evaluation of your premenstrual symptoms at                   (203) 764-5719. 
• We will conduct a brief phone interview to determine preliminary eligibility, and then offer to schedule an office visit.
• At the office visit, we will take a more detailed medical history and ask you to begin participating.
• Each study requires that women rate their symptoms on a daily basis for at least one full menstrual cycle.  This helps Dr. Yonkers and her staff make accurate diagnoses of PMS or PMDD.
• If it looks like study participation could benefit your particular symptoms, we will enroll you in a treatment study where you would receive study medication.