Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

PMS-A usually refers to the Anxiety category of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

I frequently see patients who experience the other type of PMS-A, and that is the ANGER usually quite uncontrollable, where the fuse is so short those few days prior to their menstrual cycle, they often describe feeling quite out of control. Lots of yelling at partners, children, family and then there is the horrible feeling of guilt that goes with all of it.

The underlying causes for both types of PMS-A are the same, oestrogen dominance, progesterone deficiency in the luteal phase of the cycle. 
Oestrogens appear to effect mood by suppressing type A-monoamine oxidase (MAO) while enhancing typeB-MAO. 
The net effect is an increase in epinephrine, norepinephrine and serotonin AND a decrease in levels of dopamine and phenylethylamine.

What does all of this mean for PMS-A?

Well, epinephrine triggers anxiety; norepinephrine, hostility and irritability; serotonin at high levels, nervous tension, drowsiness, palpitations, water retention and inability to concentrate!!! Dopamine is believed to counteract these three amines by inducing a feeling of relaxation and alertness.
 But there is hope  as nature has provided us with incredible herbs (clinically trialled) that can increase dopamine levels, support healthy progesterone levels and reduce/eliminate these debilitating symptoms.

Please come to see me for any pms related symptoms.