80% of Women Experience Anxiety Before Their Period

It is estimated up to 80% of menstruating women may experience anxiety before their period during their lifetime.

Nearly every one of my client's who have some level of PMS, report feeling anxious and/or depressed before their period.

Why is this so common?

It is theorized that because of the drop in hormones, specifically progesterone (hello again old friend), that women are more likely to experience anxiety during this time.

Interestingly enough, progesterone is a natural inhibitor of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine because it upregulates GABA receptors in the brain.

GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that makes you feel calm (like you just drank a glass of wine-because alcohol has the same effect). This is the reason so many people reach for wine or alcohol at night to wind down, they are trying to increase their GABA levels.

What else helps to increase GABA levels?

Magnesium helps to stimulate GABA receptors.

Taurine, an amino acid is required for activation of GABA receptors and the release of GABA. Taurine is mostly found in animal proteins.

If you've run a DUTCH test and confirmed you have low progesterone, you may want to try some progesterone cream to help increase GABA levels to reduce anxiety- BUT, this shouldn't be the first place to start as well always want to address foundational steps first.

If you're interested in running a DUTCH test, schedule a consult to learn more!

This is not medical advice and is for informational purposes only.