Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, or PMDD, is a commonly missed diagnosis in many women. In a normal menstrual cycle, progesterone levels rise after ovulation in order to sustain the lining of the uterus which thickens each month for a potential pregnancy. If there is no pregnancy, progesterone levels then drop which stimulates your cycle. However, one very common imbalance women can experience is a low progesterone level during this luteal phase. Progesterone is intricately related with your neurotransmitters, particularly GABA and when progesterone is low you may have symptoms of depression, anxiety, irritability and insomnia which can get even worse before your cycle. To break it down, (allopregnanolone), a metabolite of progesterone, is a positive allosteric modulator of GABAA receptors, and low levels have been implicated in the etiology of mood disorders.
Unfortunately most often when women share complaints of these symptoms to their PCP or GYN, they are typically prescribed addictive anti-anxiety drugs such as Xanax or Klonopin without discovering the underlying cause. Some of the side effects of these drugs include fatigue, memory impairment, blurred vision, diarrhea, insomnia, decreased libido, changes in appetite, dizziness, and yes, anxiety.
Research shows that an increase in progesterone results in improvement of premenstrual anxiety, irritability and nervous tension and that progesterone produced a clear dose-dependent anti-anxiety response. These results demonstrated that progesterone was most potent against anxiety when compared with all steroids evaluated.
If you experience symptoms of PMDD, there are natural, safe and effective ways treating it with out the use antidepressants. Let us help you achieve optimal wellness through every stage of your life 
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