Chromium Supplementation for Menstrual Cycle-Related Mood Symptoms. (1st December 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Brownley, Kimberly A.; Girdler, Susan S.; Stout, Anna L.; McLeod, Malcolm N.
• Is Part Of: Journal of dietary supplements. Volume 10:Number 4(2013:Dec.)
• Page Start: 345
• Page End: 356
• Publication Date: 2013-12-01
• Subjects: Dietary supplements -- Periodicals; Dietary Supplements -- Periodicals; 613.205
• DOI: 10.3109/19390211.2013.830678
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1939-0211

Abstract

<abstract> <title>ABSTRACT</title> <p> <italic>Background</italic>: Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) afflicts ∼7% of reproductive-age women resulting in impaired relationships, diminished overall quality of life, and disability-adjusted life years lost on par with other major psychiatric disorders. Response to pharmacological treatment is inadequate in ∼50% of women with PMDD. <italic>Objective</italic>: The goal of the present study is to evaluate the effects of a novel approach—short-term chromium supplementation—on menstrual cycle-related mood and physical symptoms. <italic>Methods</italic>: Five women were studied under single-blind conditions in a private clinical setting (2 of them were referred specifically for treatment-resistant menstrual-related symptoms); 6 women completed a double-blind crossover study of chromium plus placebo versus chromium plus sertraline in a university clinical research setting. Treatments were administered from mid-cycle to onset of menses in 1-month intervals. Symptom ratings were obtained by self-report, using daily symptom checklists, and by clinical assessment, using the Hamilton Psychiatric Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) and the Clinical Global Impressions (CGI) scale. <italic>Results</italic>: Overall, chromium treatment was associated with reduced mood symptoms and improved overall health satisfaction in most participants. In some cases, chromium alone was associated with marked clinical improvement; in others, chromium plus an antidepressant resulted in greater improvement than either chromium alone or an antidepressant alone. <italic>Conclusion</italic>: These preliminary observations suggest that chromium may be a useful monotherapy or adjunctive therapy for women suffering from significant menstrual cycle-related symptoms. Larger, controlled studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy of chromium treatment in this patient population.</p> </abstract>