---
title: Does progesterone affect the hormones that cause fluid retention in PMS?
description: In a small study of 6 women, oral progesterone therapy during the luteal phase increased certain hormones (ANF) and decreased sensitivity to fluid-retaining h
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/effect-of-progesterone-therapy-on-arginine-vasopressin-and-atrial-natriuretic-1997/
---

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- Does progesterone affect the hormones that cause fluid retention in PMS?

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.

 Early or limited evidence

6 women with PMS, studied during their luteal and follicular phases

## 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/](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9258576/)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Cognition, concentration and memory](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-cognition/)[Estradiol, progesterone and hormone therapy](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-hormone-therapy/)

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