The female reproductive system which is primarily located inside the pelvic cavity functions to produce gametes and reproductive hormones; however, it also has the additional task of supporting the developing fetus and delivering it into the world. The ovaries are the female gonads, and the gamete they produce is called an oocyte. Menstruation is the periodic shedding of your uterine lining when pregnancy doesn’t occur. During this process the oocyte also shed from the body, accompanied by cycles of hormonal activity. Complications arise with this cycle of hormones and physical changes. 3-8% of women of reproductive age meet strict criteria for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder. PMDD along with receptors for estrogen, progesterone, serotonin, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone affect the function of the neurotransmitter system which influences our mood and thought process during the luteal phase ((post-ovulatory phase of progesterone secretion where if pregnancy does not occur, the uterus stops trying to be a healthy environment for the oocyte). These hormones can cause depression, extreme anxiety or tension, sudden mood changes, irritability, difficulty concentrating, decreased energy, and insomnia or sleepiness. Although some women are more sensitive than others, we don’t have a clear reasoning as to why this may be but genetic factors may contribute. PMDD can be treated depending on how severe the condition iS and how the person responds to certain treatments. Vitamin/mineral supplements (62% of patients used), exercise (59%), natural progesterone (51%), diet changes (44%), antidepressants (15%), stress reduction techniques (12%), estrogen supplements (11%), and anxiolytics or anxiety medication (10%) are the most common treatments for PMDD that have been used in the past year.
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The female reproductive system which is primarily located inside the pelvic cavity functions to produce gametes and reproductive hormones; however, it also has the additional task of supporting the developing fetus and delivering it into the world. The ovaries are the female gonads, and the gamete they produce is called an oocyte. Menstruation is the periodic shedding of your uterine lining when pregnancy doesn’t occur. During this process the oocyte also shed from the body, accompanied by cycles of hormonal activity. Complications arise with this cycle of hormones and physical changes. 3-8% of women of reproductive age meet strict criteria for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder. PMDD along with receptors for estrogen, progesterone, serotonin, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone affect the function of the neurotransmitter system which influences our mood and thought process during the luteal phase ((post-ovulatory phase of progesterone secretion where if pregnancy does not occur, the uterus stops trying to be a healthy environment for the oocyte). These hormones can cause depression, extreme anxiety or tension, sudden mood changes, irritability, difficulty concentrating, decreased energy, and insomnia or sleepiness. Although some women are more sensitive than others, we don’t have a clear reasoning as to why this may be but genetic factors may contribute. PMDD can be treated depending on how severe the condition iS and how the person responds to certain treatments. Vitamin/mineral supplements (62% of patients used), exercise (59%), natural progesterone (51%), diet changes (44%), antidepressants (15%), stress reduction techniques (12%), estrogen supplements (11%), and anxiolytics or anxiety medication (10%) are the most common treatments for PMDD that have been used in the past year.