Women with premenstrual syndrome appear to benefit from the placebo effect, even if they know they are taking Siamese medication. This suggests that we can provide cheap and simple treatments.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) with symptoms such as anxiety, mood swings, and abdominal cramps generally affects people with periods of time. Previous research has shown this Placebo pills can reduce symptoms It was unclear whether these benefits remained when people intentionally taking fake medications in women who think they might be taking real medications.

Antje Frey Nascimento The University of Basel in Switzerland and her colleagues recruited 150 women in Switzerland, ages 18-45. In a study that acquired symptoms of 27 PMS on a scale of 0 to 5, participants rated at least one symptom A 4 or 5 at the start of the study. Participants also reported that at least one symptom interfered with society, work, or school life and scored this confusion.

The researchers then randomly assigned a third of participants, taking two placebo pills daily in two menstrual cycles, and informing these people that they are taking Placbos. Another third of participants also took placebo pills, but received additional explanations on how placebo can alleviate symptoms through the power of suggestions and belief.

The remaining third of participants were not given a placebo, but all groups were able to take regular medication. All participants completed a daily survey of PMS symptoms and how much these lives interfered.

By analyzing survey data from participants’ last menstrual cycle, the team found that on average, those who took placebo without explanation, the intensity of PMS symptoms decreased by 50%. These symptoms were half that destroyed their lives.

Those who took the placebo in their explanation reported a 79% reduction in the intensity of symptoms and an 83% reduction in life disruption. “It’s a really big effect you’ll notice in your life.” Stephen Schmidt He was not involved in research at the University of Freiburg, Germany.

When people take placebo pills, they may unconsciously and consciously expect relief from the placebo effect. This appears to produce real improvements by causing the body’s natural release of painkillers, such as endorphins, Schmidt says.

“We live in a pill society where you have all the knowledge about how you get all the benefits of science in your body when you take them, so people expect to feel better,” he says. Emphasizing these potential benefits for people seems to increase their effectiveness, he says.

Despite not taking pills, the control group showed a 33% reduction in symptoms intensities, with 46% less destructive than before. “If you sign up for a study and complete these daily diaries, you can pay more notices when you feel better or when your symptoms improve, so you can see benefits without taking pills,” Schmidt says.

One limitation of this study, he adds, is the greater advantage of placebo effects, as those enrolled in the trial may be more open to alternative treatments than the wider population.

Large studies need to determine whether these placebo benefits last for a long period of time and whether they apply to older adults groups and to a wider range of people in other countries, Schmidt says. If the results endure scrutiny, he says, placebo can ultimately provide an inexpensive and easy way to treat serious health burdens.