linoleic-acid and Premenstrual-Syndrome

Topics: Female; Humans; Linoleic Acid; Linoleic Acids; Premenstrual Syndrome; Pyridoxine

The multisystem symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), the variable nature of their occurrence and their relatively rapid disappearance with the onset of bleeding are highly suggestive of a systemic factor as the causal agent of the disorder. Reports of increased blood viscosity and enhanced red blood cell (RBC) hydration provide a basis for proposing that PMS is the consequence of an aberration of the change in blood viscosity which occurs in the third week of the normal menstrual cycle. The seriousness of the viscosity-impaired capillary blood flow will be greatest in organs and capillary beds with the smallest capillaries. Such an assumption implies that those women who suffer from PMS will be individuals whose capillaries are smaller in size than non-sufferers. The frequency of occurrence of fluid retention as a symptom suggests that the specific etiologic agent could be a reduction in RBC deformability as a consequence of impaired linoleic acid metabolism or high levels of noradrenaline or hypothyroidism or combinations of the three factors. If poorly deformable RBCs are involved then the use of agents such as evening primrose oil or fish oil to improve RBC deformability could ameliorate the symptoms of PMS. It is speculated that similar changes in RBC deformability should occur at other times of hormonal change. Health problems occurring during pregnancy, or after parturition, or after cessation of ovarian function might be caused by or exacerbated by reduced RBC deformability.

Topics: Blood Pressure; Blood Viscosity; Erythrocyte Deformability; Female; Genitalia, Female; Gonadal Steroid Hormones; Humans; Linoleic Acid; Linoleic Acids; Menstrual Cycle; Microcirculation; Models, Biological; Norepinephrine; Premenstrual Syndrome; Thyroid Hormones

Premenstrual syndrome is now recognized as a condition that probably has an endocrine or biochemical basis. However, it has proved difficult to demonstrate any consistent significant differences from normal in any parameter measured to date. We have measured essential fatty acid levels in phospholipids in plasma taken from 42 women with well-defined premenstrual syndrome. The women were not on any treatment during the cycles when samples were taken in both follicular and luteal phases. The levels of linoleic acid, the main dietary n-6 essential fatty acid, were significantly above normal, indicating no deficit of intake or absorption. In spite of this, concentrations of all metabolites of linoleic acid were significantly reduced, suggesting a defect in conversion of linoleic acid to gamma-linolenic acid. Possibly in compensation, levels of n-3 essential fatty acids were elevated. The same abnormalities were present in both follicular and luteal phases. This abnormality cannot therefore be the direct cause of the symptoms that appear in the luteal phase, but it may sensitize tissues so that they respond abnormally to normal levels of reproductive hormones.

Topics: Adult; alpha-Linolenic Acid; Alprostadil; Fatty Acids, Essential; Female; Follicular Phase; Humans; Linoleic Acid; Linoleic Acids; Linolenic Acids; Luteal Phase; Middle Aged; Premenstrual Syndrome; Prostaglandins E