The tranquilizer Xanax can relieve the tension, irritability and aches of severe premenstrual syndrome, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center researchers say.

Their study, published in today’s issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, also found that the hormone progesterone is not particularly effective for PMS.

Of those taking Xanax, 37 percent reported a significant improvement in overall premenstrual symptoms, compared with 29 percent who reported relief on progesterone and 30 percent on placebo.