A treatment outcome study was conducted comparing a low-fat
diet intervention with an education-support group and a
waiting-list control group in the treatment of premenstrual
tension syndrome (PMS) or Late Luteal Phase Dysphoric Disorder
(LLPDD). Subjects met provisional diagnostic criteria for
LLPDD and symptoms were monitored prospectively. A low-fat
diet was hypothesized too be an effective intervention for
reducing the severity of both physical and emotional symptoms
in women suffering from LLPDD. This was based on the theory
relating raised estrogen levels to premenstrual distress, and
research suggesting low-fat diets reduce estrogen levels.
The hypothesis that a low-fat diet would decrease
premenstrual suffering was not supported by the results of
this study. However, there appeared to be an advantage to
participating in a group which provided support and
information on LLPDD compared to receiving no treatment.
Implications for future research, treatment recommendations,
and methodological issues are discussed.
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