Hormones and electrolytes in premenstrual syndrome.

We studied 10 normal and asymptomatic patients with ovulatory cycles and measured serum sodium, potassium, FSH, LH, prolactin, estradiol, progesterone and cortisol. The findings were compared with the levels in 25 patients with ovulatory cycles with premenstrual symptoms (PMS) lasting for 7-14 days prior to the onset of menstrual flow. We found no significant difference in serum sodium and potassium levels between the asymptomatic (control) group and the PMS group, or between the follicular and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle. We found no difference in hormone levels other than an altered estrogen/progesterone ratio in the second half of the luteal phase in seven out of 12 PMS patients with severe symptoms and a higher level of cortisol in the luteal phase in six out of 12 patients with severe PMS symptoms. However, the level of serum cortisol was still within the normal range. There was no significant alteration in the levels of electrolytes or hormones during treatment with Navidrex K (cyclopenthiazide, diuretic) pyridoxine (Vitamin B-6), dydrogesterone ( Duphaston ) alone, or all the three drugs combined.