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Premenstrual Edema

Meaning

Premenstrual Edema is the clinical manifestation of excessive fluid retention that occurs in the days leading up to the onset of menstruation, a common component of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). This condition is characterized by noticeable swelling, often in the extremities, breasts, and abdomen, resulting from an increase in extracellular fluid volume. This physiological change is directly linked to the cyclical fluctuations of the major female sex hormones, estrogen and progesterone, which influence the renal handling of sodium and water. For many women, this cyclical edema can cause significant physical discomfort and is a frequent subject of clinical inquiry in women’s hormonal health.