Increased urinary MHPG excretion in premenstrual syndrome (PMS). The effect of vitamin B₆

Abstract

Urinary excretion levels of 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylethyleneglycoI (MHPG, an index of central noradrenalin activity) and daily urine production of patients suffering from premenstrual syndrome (PMS) were found to be significantly higher (by more than 40 and 20%, respectively) than those of matched healthy controls. The MHPG difference holds on the basis of 24 h excretion as well as on the basis of urinary creatinine. The observed levels of MHPG were not influenced by a daily pharmacological dose of vitamin B₆ (120 mg pyridoxine) used during a full menstrual cycle. The urine production by patients and controls during the day was significantly increased (by 12%) as a result of vitamin B₆ supplementation without any effect on the amount of creatinine excreted with the urine.

Key Words:

• Premenstrual syndrome
• 3-Methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylethyleneglycol
• Vitamin B₆