PMT-A- the most common category, affects between 66-80% of PMS sufferers in the several surveys noted. The symptoms which predominate are anxiety, irritability, insomnia and general nervous tension. The proposed etiology of this type is an elevation of estrogen in relation to progesterone.
PMT-H- is the second most frequently seen constellation of symptoms, occurring in about 60-66% of patients. This category is characterized by weight gain, abdominal bloating, breast tenderness and engorgement and edema of the face, hands and feet and , in its most severe form, has been associated with aberrations in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone axis. The proposed etiology is deficient dopamine levels.
PMT-C- is characterized by a prementral appetite increase and a craving for sweets followed by symptoms of hypoglycemia including headaches, fainting, fatigue, dizziness, palpitations and trembling. Abnormal glucose tolerance curves are often demonstrated on laboratory evaluation.
PMT-D- is the least common sub-group, estimated to affect 1.7-23% of patients with PMS depending upon whether it is in its pure form. Characterized by depression and suicidal tendencies, it has been associated with an elevation of progesterone in relation to estrogen. High hair led levels have been noted in some individuals in this category. |
