Possible causes or contributing factors include Multiple endocrine factors (eg, hypoglycemia, other changes in carbohydrate metabolism, hyperprolactinemia, fluctuations in levels of circulating estrogen and progesterone, abnormal responses to estrogen and progesterone, excess aldosterone or antidiuretic hormone [ADH]) Genetic predisposition Serotonin deficiency Possibly magnesium and calcium deficiencies Estrogen and progesterone can cause transitory fluid retention, as can excess aldosterone or ADH.