Premenstrual Disorders

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late cookies (and other foods) in order to try to raise serotonin levels

through food intake. Studies show that carbohydrates cause sero-

tonin levels to increase.

Researchers, however, still do not completely understand the re-

lationship between serotonin and mood. Lower serotonin levels can

make people depressed; these people may also experience anxiety,

forgetfulness, and other PMS symptoms. Those women who do not

suffer from these symptoms do not have extremely high levels of

serotonin, only normal levels. Some women may even have low se-

rotonin levels and yet never experience any PMS symptoms.

SSRI antidepressants work to regulate the brain’s available levels

of serotonin transmitters. But they can help alleviatemany symptoms,

not just depression, anxiety, and other mood imbalances. Anything

that happens within the brain affects the whole body. The brain’s

complex network is like a computer, where everything the body ex-

periences is processed and saved. The brain also directs each move

the body makes. That’s why when one part of the body experiences

bloating or pain, the brain sends information that causes the body to

react. Serotonin levels affect the way the entire body functions.

People who have a low serotonin level may experience:

• less intense moods

• depression

• aggression

• increased risk of heart disease

• anxiety

• poor concentration

• impulsive behavior

• feelings of guilt

• food cravings

• alcoholism

• anger and/or rage