Going Through The PMS Cycle And How Serotonin Is Linked

Many women experience strange, uncomfortable symptoms twelve times every year. It's almost as if they transform into a different person. Their emotions are different; they often seem to take on someone else's personality. Someone less patient and happy. Someone more grouchy and irritable and even weepy.

But what causes this strange, monthly metamorphosis? It's all part of the beautiful plan that gives us the ability to carry children. Of course, this truly is a miraculous gift. Quite a responsibility, really, but definitely a miracle. Another miracle is how some of us make it through month after month of the changes we go through during our PMS cycle.

A very great majority of women experience at least one of the symptoms of PMS during their monthly cycle. Many experience more than one, and some experience them rather severely. Although everybody's PMS cycle differs at least somewhat from the next woman's, this is one thing that binds women together in sisterhood. We feel each other's pain.

As the body goes through all the changes required to prepare for possible conception of a child, so much is happening that it is bound to affect us at its various stages. For some women they hardly notice a thing until they actually start bleeding, for others, they can almost tell you what is happening during their cycle on any given day of the month because they have such clear symptoms of each stage of menstruation.

The worst phase of the PMS cycle occurs in the two weeks leading up to menses (bleeding). The exact causes for this are not exactly known. It has been thought that it was related to changes in hormone levels at this time, but levels remain within a normal range. Many feel that it is related to serotonin levels, which dip during this time, leading.

Because serotonin is linked with the regulation of mood, it is often considered that when serotonin levels change, so does the ability to maintain a stable mood. This is what leads to the moodiness, irritability and depression that so many women experience during PMS. Serotonin is also connected with appetite, meaning that changes in its levels can also lead to food cravings and increased appetite at this time.

Some of the most recommended ways for women to find relief from the strains that come during the PMS cycle is to make sure you are eating healthy, satisfying foods, rather than simple carbohydrates. Salt, sugar, caffeine and alcohol are all best avoided to allow your body to better deal with changes, rather than exacerbating the problem.

Another serotonin linked solution comes in the form of medication that is geared at increasing levels of serotonin, called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). You can also increase your serotonin levels by choosing whole grain carbohydrates and certain fruits such as bananas, dates and papayas.

Fortunately, when you understand what is happening with your body it is easier to deal with symptoms experienced during your PMS cycle. Of course, before you make any serious changes to your diet or medication intake, consult with your physician!

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