NCT00611923

Effectiveness of Flutamide in Treating Women With Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

Androgen Hormones in PMDD

• Status: Completed
• Phase: Phase 4
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 115 (actual)
• Sponsor: Weill Medical College of Cornell University · Academic / Other
• Sex: Female
• Age: 18 Years – 48 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This study will evaluate the effectiveness of flutamide in reducing symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder.

Detailed description

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a condition that affects about 5% of menstruating women. Women with PMDD experience serious emotional and physical disturbances, which may include depression, tension, irritability, anger, anxiety, and sleep and appetite problems. Symptoms of PMDD are directly linked with the menstrual cycle, generally beginning in the latter half of the cycle and ending around the start of the next cycle. If left unmanaged, PMDD may interfere with a woman's ability to carry out normal day-to-day functioning. Current treatments for PMDD include medications, psychotherapy, and nutritional modifications. Flutamide, a medication that blocks the action of testosterone and other mood-influencing hormones, may be helpful in alleviating symptoms of PMDD. This study will evaluate the effectiveness of flutamide in reducing symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder. This two-phase study will last a total of 4 months and will include 7 study visits. Phase 1 will last 2 months and will include Visits 1 through 3. During Phase 1, participants will keep a daily record of symptoms, participate in a diagnostic interview, and undergo a medical history review, a physical exam, and screening laboratory tests. Eligible participants will then enter Phase 2, the treatment phase of the study. During the treatment phase, participants will be randomly assigned to take flutamide or placebo for 2 months. Study visits will occur every 2 weeks and will include Visits 4 through 7. These visits will include discussion of side effects, symptom rating, and laboratory tests to check for pregnancy and any side effects related to liver function, blood counts, or blood chemistry. At the end of treatment with flutamide or placebo, participants will have the option of receiving treatment with sertraline, an antidepressant known to be effective for many women with PMDD. Sertraline will be given during the 2 premenstrual weeks for two cycles. If participants have already unsuccessfully tried sertraline for PMDD treatment, an alternative treatment can be attempted.

Conditions

• Premenstrual Syndrome

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DRUG	Flutamide	Participants will take one 125-mg flutamide capsule twice a day for two menstrual cycles. If a participant is unable to tolerate a twice-daily dose due to side effects, the dose will be reduced to one capsule per day.
DRUG	Placebo	Participants will take a lactose capsule twice a day for two menstrual cycles. If a participant is unable to tolerate a twice-daily dose due to side effects, the dose will be reduced to one capsule per day.

Timeline

• Start date: 2005-02-01
• Primary completion: 2011-06-01
• Completion: 2011-12-01
• First posted: 2008-02-11
• Last updated: 2020-01-07
• Results posted: 2019-11-19

Regulatory

• FDA-regulated drug study