Correlation of symptoms in pre-menstrual tension to oestrogen and progesterone concentrations in blood plasma. A preliminary study

Abstract

15 women with premenstrual tension are rated in four symptom groups, anxiety-tension, asthenia-depression, irritability-explosiveness and feelings of swelling. The ratings of anxiety and irritability were also added to a separate group. Ratings were then correlated to plasma oestrogen and progesterone levels and oestrogen/progesterone ratios. There was a significant correlation between oestrogen levels and the anxiety, irritability, anxiety + irritability and depression groups. A correlation was also found between oestrogen/progesterone ratios and anxiety. No significant correlation was found between progesterone levels and symptom ratings.