Rhodiola for PMS: Does It Really Help?
Quick Summary: A study found that a supplement containing Rhodiola rosea extract, along with other herbs, significantly reduced premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms like mood swings and bloating. Women taking the supplement experienced a greater reduction in symptoms compared to those taking a placebo.
What The Research Found
This study looked at a supplement called PREMEN-CALM®, which includes Rhodiola rosea (also known as Rhodiola), to see if it could help with PMS. The results were promising! Women taking PREMEN-CALM® reported a much bigger decrease in their PMS symptoms compared to those taking a sugar pill (placebo).
- Overall PMS Symptoms: The supplement group saw a nearly 50% reduction in overall PMS symptoms. The placebo group saw a 24% reduction.
- Emotional Symptoms: Irritability and mood swings improved by over 50% in the supplement group.
- Physical Symptoms: Bloating and breast tenderness decreased by about 44% in the supplement group.
Study Details
- Who was studied: 60 women experiencing PMS.
- How long: The study lasted for three menstrual cycles (about three months).
- What they took: Participants took either PREMEN-CALM® (containing Rhodiola rosea extract, Vitex agnus-castus, and Curcuma longa) or a placebo (a pill with no active ingredients).
What This Means For You
If you struggle with PMS, this research suggests that Rhodiola rosea, in combination with other herbs, might offer some relief. It could help with both the emotional and physical symptoms that make PMS so difficult. Talk to your doctor about whether PREMEN-CALM® or a similar supplement might be right for you.
Study Limitations
- Combination Supplement: The study used a supplement with multiple ingredients, so we can't say for sure if Rhodiola rosea alone is responsible for all the benefits.
- Small Study: This was a pilot study, meaning it involved a relatively small number of participants. More research is needed to confirm these findings.
- Individual Results May Vary: Not everyone will experience the same level of improvement.
Technical Analysis Details
Key Findings
The study evaluated PREMEN-CALM®—a multi-ingredient supplement containing Rhodiola rosea extract (standardized to 3% rosavins and 1% salidroside), Vitex agnus-castus, and Curcuma longa—for premenstrual syndrome (PMS) management. Primary outcomes showed statistically significant reductions in total PMS symptom severity scores in the supplement group versus placebo. Specifically, the PREMEN-CALM® group achieved a mean reduction of 48.2% in symptom scores (vs. 24.1% for placebo; p < 0.001) after 3 menstrual cycles. Emotional symptoms (e.g., irritability, mood swings) improved by 52.7% (p = 0.002), while physical symptoms (e.g., bloating, breast tenderness) decreased by 43.8% (p = 0.008). No serious adverse events were reported.
Study Design
This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study (contradicting the prompt’s "observational-study" label, as confirmed by the title). It enrolled 6
Original Study Reference
Effects of the PREMEN-CALM® in the Management of the Premenstrual Syndrome: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study.
Source: PubMed
Published: 2024
📄 Read Full Study (PMID: 38213037)
