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Over 100 symptoms have been associated, at one time or another, with the premenstrual period. Fluid retention is often named in both the scientific literature and common wisdom. Many over-the-counter medications are marketed for a cluster of symptoms including weight gain, swollen arms and legs, abdominal bloating, and breast tenderness.
These researchers recruited 38 volunteers (mostly 18 to 25 years old) from an English university community who had mild premenstrual symptoms. Subjects were randomized to placebo or 200 mg per day of magnesium (as MgO) for two menstrual cycles and then crossed over into the alternative protocol. Researchers tested 24-hour urine output of magnesium to verify compliance. During the first cycle, there were no d…