The exact roles of the various hormones are not at all clear. Prolactin stimulates breast development and the formation of milk during pregnancy. Excess prolactin may cause the breast tenderness associated with PMS, though studies show that suppressing the secretion of excess prolactin does not relieve the symptom. Prostaglandins are hormonelike substances that play a role in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, which occurs prior to the flow of blood. Endorphins are neurochemicals that suppress pain and increase a person s threshold to painful stimuli.
Women can alleviate many symptoms by changing their diet.
Eliminating certain foods or drinks is enough to eliminate or reduce some symptoms to more tolerable levels. Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, afflicts many PMS sufferers. By focusing too much on the depression, other important physiological factors may be overlooked. Join a live chat or threaded forum. Visit our medical store for your medical supply needs.