Endocrine and other biochemical factors in the aetiology of the premenstrual syndrome

Summary

There is increasing evidence that hormonal and biochemical changes occur at more than one level in patients with premenstrual syndrome, and that both ovarian and hypothalamic/pituitary events must be considered. Various theories on the aetiology of premenstrual syndrome are discussed and recent endocrine and clinical studies are reviewed.

Key Words::

• Premenstrual tension
• hormone balance
• pyridoxine
• bromocriptine