Serotonin at high levels creates nervous tension, and inability to concentrate. Dopamine, produced by the brain, balances out the effects of the biogenic amines by inducing relaxation, increases mental alertness, and works to prevent sodium and water retention. Without sufficient dopamine, the biogenic amines are not held in check, moods are greatly affected in a negative manner, and sodium and water retention increase. Estrogen also increases the level of the adrenal hormone aldosterone, which prevents the normal excretion of salt from the kidneys, adding to fluid retention. This creates edema-like symptoms of bloating, abdominal swelling, and swollen breasts.
Excess fluid swells the nerve tissue and membranes surrounding the brain.
The brain is encased within the skull, and can only expand as far as the skull permits. American women are so deficient in vitamin B6 that it was discovered back in the early 1940's. The process of refining flour eliminates the B vitamins altogether, B6 is destroyed in cooking and canning, and when foods are packaged. Pregnancy and birth-control pills also cause a B6 deficiency.