Non-randomised trial, 1997
Does progesterone affect the hormones that cause fluid retention in PMS?
In a small study of 6 women, oral progesterone therapy during the luteal phase increased certain hormones (ANF) and decreased sensitivity to fluid-retaining hormones (vasopressin), which may explain how progesterone helps PMS bloating, though confirmation in larger studies is needed.
What they did
6 women with PMS received saline infusions during both the follicular and luteal phases in two separate menstrual cycles. During the second cycle's luteal phase, they also took oral progesterone. Researchers measured hormones and fluid markers in blood and urine.
What they found
During the untreated luteal phase, women had lower ANF levels and higher sensitivity to vasopressin (a fluid-retaining hormone). When given progesterone in the luteal phase, ANF levels increased, the threshold for vasopressin release increased, and vasopressin sensitivity decreased. The difference in vasopressin threshold was statistically significant (p < 0.001). ANF showed a significant phase effect (p = 0.02).
What it means for you
The study suggests progesterone reduces PMS fluid retention by boosting a hormone that promotes fluid loss and reducing the body's response to a hormone that retains fluid. However, this is a very small study conducted in a research setting, so larger trials are needed to confirm these findings.
6
women studied
p < 0.001
vasopressin threshold significance
2 cycles
study duration
About the study
- Original title
- Effect of progesterone therapy on arginine vasopressin and atrial natriuretic factor in premenstrual syndrome
- Authors
- Watanabe H, Lau DC, Guyn HL et al.
- Journal
- Clinical and investigative medicine. Medecine clinique et experimentale
- Year
- 1997
- Study design
- Non-randomised trial
- What was tested
- Oral progesterone during luteal phase; saline infusions as test stimulus
- Read the paper
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9258576/
Topics
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