The relationship between serotonin and PMS is often discussed. Research showed that low levels of serotonin were present in women suffering from premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a severe for of PMS; control of symptoms was achieved using antidepressants, known as Selective Serotonin Re-Uptake Inhibitors (SSRI). Thus, Prozac and several other antidepressants of this type were approved for treating PMDD by the Food and Drug Administration. These drugs were not approved for treating milder forms of PMS, but some doctors prescribe them. There are many side effects associated with their use and many women seek alternatives.
The relationship between serotonin and PMS is unclear. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter involved in regulating moods, appetite, sleep cycles and various other bodily functions. Women who suffer from mood swings, depression, anxiety, trouble sleeping or food cravings during PMS could be suffering from low levels of serotonin. There have been no large scale studies to support this conclusion, but the symptoms seem to indicate that this is the case.
Initially scientists learned that eating carbohydrates increased levels of serotonin circulating in the blood stream. The hypothesis was made that women suffering from PMS craved simple carbohydrates, such as sugar, because their levels of serotonin were low. In a clinical setting groups were treated with either a specially designed carbohydrate rich dietary supplement or an SSRI, the results showed that symptoms were greatly reduced in both groups. These studies led to Prozac being approved for the treatment of PMDD and a dietary supplement was created by the researchers leading the investigation. The PMS control achieved in the studies is believed to be related to increased levels of serotonin in the brain.
Other indications that low levels of serotonin and PMS emotional symptoms are related is the laboratory finding that estrogen prevents serotonin from breaking down so quickly. Estrogen levels are at their lowest following ovulation, before menstruation begins, or in the two weeks before a woman has her period. What is difficult for researchers, doctors and other health care professional is why some women experience emotional problems during PMS and others do not. If low levels of estrogen were the only cause, then all women would experience the same symptoms every month. But, since this is not the case, other factors must be involved.
Currently the best advice that anyone can offer concerning PMS control is to either take an antidepressant like Prozac, birth control pills to prevent ovulation or herbal and dietary supplements to relieve symptoms. Since Prozac and birth control pills have unwanted symptoms and cannot be taken by all women. Herbs, dietary supplements, dietary changes, lifestyle changes and even acupuncture have been used to for PMS control. If theories about the relationship between serotonin and PMS are correct, then a serotonin precursor called 5-HTP can help. It is available without a prescription and is an ingredient in some PMS formulas.
Patsy Hamilton was a health care professional for over twenty years before becoming a freelance writer. Currently she writes informational articles about women?s health for the Menopause and PMS Guide, which provides information for women with problems associated with PMS, menopause and perimenopause including treatment options from conventional medicine to herbal remedies, dietary guidelines and helpful lifestyle changes. Click here to visit our site. For more information about 5-HTP and other PMS solutions, please visit the Menopause and PMS guide. | |
