gynecology and obstetrics
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Etiology of PMS
The cause of PMS is unclear. Possible causes or contributing factors include Multiple endocrine factors (eg, hypoglycemia, other changes in carbohydrate metabolism, hyperprolactinemia, fluctuations in levels of circulatingestrogenandprogesterone, abnormal responses toestrogenandprogesterone, excess aldosterone or antidiuretic hormone [ADH]) Genetic predisposition Serotonin deficiency Possibly magnesium and calcium deficiencies Estrogenandprogesteronecan cause transitory fluid retention, as can excess aldosterone or ADH. Serotonin deficiency is thought to contribute because women who are most affected by PMS have lower serotonin levels and because selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which increase serotonin, sometimes relieve symptoms of PMS. Magnesium and calcium deficiencies may contribute. 