PMS Guide |

New studies have linked PMS to an oversupply of renin, angiotensin, aldosterone – adrenal hormones that are collectively called the aldosterone system. Estrogen incrases the level of adrenal hormones present in the bloodstream, and an estrogen-induced aldosterone surge prevents the normal excretion of salt from the kidneys. This salt buildup then leads to fluid retention. Progesterone, on the other hand, reduces renin, angiostensin, and aldosterone and thereby activates salt excretion. In this instance, progesterone acts like a diuretic. A woman’s body is carefully synchcronized. If estrogen and progesterone are perfect balance, she will experience less water retention. and possibly PMS.

Women with PMS are occasionally found to have high aldosterone levels in their urine. but the aldosterone levels in their blood are bnot significantly different from those of women without PMS. It has been theorized that the high level of urinary aldosterone may be linked to the fluctuation of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone, or may be result of stress, since anxiety affects aldosterone excretion. This latter fact about stress brings us back to the power of the brain.

Scientists are trying to understand and control action of dopamine, a brain chemical that reacts to stress, and indeed, may influence the flow of adrenal hormones. Studies have been done to investigate whether the drug bromocriptine, which inhibits dopamine, might lower aldosterone levels. Some of the research has shown bromocriptine to have an effect on the aldosterone system, but drugs is mainly considered for use in inhibiting the brain hormone prolactin.