What Causes PMS?
The causes of PMS are not clear. It is linked to the changing hormones during the menstrual cycle. Some women may be affected more than others by changing hormone levels during the menstrual cycle. Stress and emotional problems do not seem to cause PMS, but they may make it worse. Diagnosis of PMS is usually based on your symptoms, when they occur, and how much they affect your life.
The cause(s) of PMS or premenstrual syndrome is not known. There are many theories and ideas. bekkar.jpg (3400 bytes)Dr. Bruce Bekkar in his book Your Guy’s Guide to Gynecology lists the following as the most popular theories as to what causes PMS: • Neurotransmitter dysfunction (neurotransmitters are the chemicals that allow cells in the nervous system to “talk” to each other). • Progesterone deficiency • Prostaglandin imbalance ( prostaglandins are powerful chemicals that affect the pelvic organs). • Fluid retention (actual this is a common symptom of PMS). • Psychosomatic illness ( or it’s all in her head). • Neurotransmitters, serotonin in particular, seem the most promising candidates at the present time. What are the symptoms of PMS? Most women have some combination of the physical and emotional effects. The above are the most common; more than 150 different symptoms have been attributed to PMS. Dr.
Although we do not know what causes PMS, most authorities agree PMS has to do with the hormone progesterone, which is produced by the ovaries in the second half of the monthly cycle. Recent research shows relationships between the hormone that controls ovulation and a specific antibody. Women with PMS were found to have significantly lower levels of this antibody as compared to women without symptoms. Bio-Identical progesterone supplements control the symptoms of PMS including migraine headaches associated with PMS.
Most scientists agree that PMS is related to the hormone progesterone, which is produced by the ovaries the second half of the monthly cycle. There is a relationship between a specific brain hormone called luteinizing hormone (LH) and an antibody. As your period approaches, the level of antibody falls as the level of LH rises. The high level of LH is directly related to the symptoms of PMS. Treatment of PMS with progesterone is very effective because progesterone suppresses circulating LH and controls the symptoms of PMS.
