ADD and PMS

As someone who has suffered with ADD since early childhood, its been an uphill battle thats  only getting worse as I get older. What does this have to do with my period? Well, during my PMS phase and during my period my ADD spirals to the point where I can barely function.

I used some information I received from a therapist, my gyno and Chat GPT to share what I have learned with you all and hopefully help you! Here is a full breakdown on why PMS / PMDD and ADD are enemies and also what you can do about it.

What is ADD??

ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder): This is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by symptoms such as inattention, impulsivity, and sometimes hyperactivity. People with ADD may struggle with focusing, organizing tasks, and following through on commitments.

What is PMS?

PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome): PMS refers to a range of physical and emotional symptoms that occur in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle (the phase in your cycle right before your period), typically before menstruation. Symptoms can include mood swings, irritability, bloating, fatigue, and changes in sleep patterns. PMDD is a more extreme form of PMS.

How are PMS and ADD related? 

1. Mood and Focus: PMS can exacerbate symptoms of ADD, making it harder to concentrate or manage emotions.

The culprit: GABA receptors and PMS/PMDD/ADD

GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain and plays a crucial role in regulating neuronal excitability and balancing excitatory signals. GABA receptors affect women in a different way since we go through the hormone cycles that cause estrogen and progesterone dips.

GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) receptors play a significant role in the brain's regulation of mood and anxiety, which can be particularly relevant for women experiencing Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). Here’s how GABA receptors may influence PMS:

1. Mood Regulation

GABA is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter, helping to balance excitatory signals in the brain. Fluctuations in GABAergic activity during the menstrual cycle can affect mood and emotional stability. Lower GABA activity may contribute to anxiety, irritability, and mood swings associated with PMS

2. Anxiety and Stress Response

GABA receptors are crucial for managing the brain's response to stress. Many women report increased anxiety and stress during the luteal phase (the phase before menstruation), possibly linked to changes in GABA activity. Enhanced GABAergic function can promote relaxation and reduce anxiety, potentially alleviating some PMS symptoms.

Potential Treatments

Some treatments for PMS, particularly those targeting mood and anxiety symptoms, may interact with GABA receptors. For example, certain anti-anxiety medications and supplements (like some herbal remedies) aim to enhance GABA activity to help alleviate emotional symptoms.

I recently started treating my PMDD with progesterone cream from Whole Foods! I did my research and realized why its so helpful

1. Progesterone’s Influence on GABA

- GABA Modulation: Progesterone can enhance the activity of GABA receptors, particularly the GABA-A receptor. This effect can promote a calming influence on the brain, which may help alleviate anxiety and improve mood.

- Neuroactive Metabolite: Progesterone is converted into allopregnanolone, a neuroactive steroid that has strong anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) and sedative effects through GABA-A receptor modulation.

Conclusion: Research is still not where it needs to be. These are some things that helped me personally but may not work for everyone.

Research is ongoing to explore how these interactions can be harnessed for therapeutic benefits, particularly in individuals with mood disorders linked to hormonal fluctuations.

This blog is not meant to substitute medical advice nor does the advice in this blog cure or treat disease.