Historical studies of premenstrual tension up to 30 years ago: implications for future research.

The biology and treatment of premenstrual tension syndrome has advanced significantly in the past 30 years. Newer research expands on earlier literature that has been accumulated before 1972. This review selectively considers this earlier literature, because it defines the nature and impact of what was then considered to be premenstrual tension syndrome. The authors consider a set of earlier studies that suggest a role for personality, psychodynamics, and cultural variables in the etiology, impact, and treatment of the cyclic disorders. This review also considers studies of the biology of premenstrual tension that suggest a role for sodium and water fluctuations, the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, ovarian hormones, monoamines, and acetylcholine. Current applications and potential research directions based on this information are also discussed.