Usefulness of Yokukansankachimpihange for premenstrual syndrome with irritability : A prospective study using the MDQ (Menstrual Dependent Symptom Scale) and the SF-8 (Quality of Life Scale)

Abstract

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) impairs quality of life (QOL) due to various physical and psychological symptoms. Many patients are concerned about the adverse effects of low-dose pills and psychotropic drugs for treatments, and drug selection is limited if there is a desire to have a child. Hence, it is important for clinicians to include Kampo medicine as an option, but the choice of formulations is difficult. In this study, we focused on “irritability and anger” among the symptoms of PMS, and examined the usefulness of a Kampo formulation “Yokukansankachimpihange”. The Menstrual Distress Questionnaires (MDQ) Japanese version, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for subjective symptoms, and SF-8 (Health-related Quality of Life Scale) were compared before and after the treatment. Forty-six patients were included in the study, of which 20 patients have completed and analyzed for three menstrual cycles. The MDQ decreased significantly in all regions from 1 month after administration, as did the VAS. In SF-8, mental health and physical health improved significantly after one month and three months, respectively. These results indicate that Yokukansankachimpihange is effective for PMS patients who are irritability. Yokukansankachimpihange is also expected to improve QOL by alleviating not only for psychological symptoms but also for physical symptoms.