Effect of nutrient intake on premenstrual depression

Article Abstract:

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a group of symptoms which develop during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, the period prior to the onset of menstruation. It is characterized by physical changes such as food cravings, swelling, breast tenderness and mental changes such as tension, irritability, depression, anxiety and mood swings. Women with severe PMS depression report craving carbohydrate-rich foods. It has been recommended by some that a reduction of carbohydrate-rich foods would reduce the amount of blood glucose which has been associated with undesirable mental symptoms. However, PMS is similar to other mood disorders, such as seasonal affective disorder, where a high carbohydrate diet improves symptoms. Food intake and mood were assessed in 19 patients with severe PMS and nine patients without PMS during different phases of the menstrual cycle. Patients with PMS increased their caloric intake from 1,892 calories to 2,395 calories per day during the luteal phase, eight days prior to the onset of menstruation. Carbohydrate intake was increased during snacking in 43 percent of the patients and during meals in 24 percent. There was no change in protein intake. The use of a mood assessment scale revealed increases in depressive feelings in PMS patients which were relieved by increasing carbohydrate intake while the patients without PMS experienced no change. Increasing the amounts of carbohydrates and decreasing protein intake during the period prior to menstruation reduced PMS depression, anger, tension, confusion, sadness, fatigue, and improved alertness and calmness. These changes were not observed in the patients without PMS. Serotonin, a chemical produced in the brain, has been associated with depression. High carbohydrate, low protein diets are known to increase the production of serotonin by increasing the uptake of tryptophan, an amino acid needed for the production of serotonin. Serotonin may play a role in PMS symptoms. However, brain blood levels of serotonin, which are needed for an accurate assessment, are a difficult measurement to obtain on healthy patients.

Depression, Mental, Depression (Mood disorder), Diet therapy, High-carbohydrate diet, High carbohydrate diet

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d-Fenfluramine suppresses the increased calorie and carbohydrate intakes and improves the mood of women with premenstrual depression

Article Abstract:

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is characterized by complaints of depression, appetite changes, and general bodily symptoms. These symptoms recur each month during the late luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Previous studies have examined the association between food intake and the patient's mood. A significant premenstrual increase in caloric intake from foods rich in carbohydrates has been associated with high depression scores, decreased work efficiency, social withdrawal, and fatigue. In patients with PMS, the depression that accompanies changes in appetite has been compared with seasonal affective disorder, which tends to occur during autumn in affected patients. Patients with PMS and a craving for carbohydrate-rich foods were studied. The drug d-fenfluramine was administered to 17 women with PMS. Consumption of foods high in carbohydrates and low in protein can enhance production of a chemical in the brain called serotonin. The drug d-fenfluramine acts by releasing serotonin and blocking its reuptake by the brain. This drug has previously been effective in relieving the affective and appetitive symptoms of patients suffering from seasonal affective disorder. The Hamilton Rating Scale was used to assess depression in the patients studied. Patients were allowed access to meals and snack foods rich in protein or carbohydrates. Administration of d-fenfluramine resulted in a decrease in caloric, carbohydrate, and fat intakes. The use of this drug was also associated with a decrease in the Hamilton Rating Scale for depression. This drug was effective in relieving the excessive food intake and cravings in patients with PMS. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Care and treatment, Measurement, Carbohydrates, Seasonal affective disorder, Serotonin, Appetite disorders

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Oral magnesium successfully relieves premenstrual mood changes

Article Abstract:

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS), a condition that may develop several days before the start of menstruation, is characterized by irritability, emotional tension, anxiety, mood changes, depression, headache, breast tenderness and swelling, and water retention. The causes of PMS are not clear, and various approaches have been tried to treat this condition, including the use of vitamins and minerals. A deficiency in magnesium (Mg), which is involved in various cell functions, may be responsible for changes associated with PMS. Studies have shown that women with PMS have low levels of Mg in their blood cells. The effectiveness of oral Mg in treating PMS was evaluated in 32 women, aged 24 to 39 years, with PMS. Symptoms of PMS were assessed using the Moos Menstrual Distress Questionnaire. The women were then divided into two groups, and were treated for two months with either Mg or a placebo. Both groups were then given oral Mg for the third and fourth months. Treatment with Mg alleviated symptoms of PMS and was associated with increased Mg levels in the lymphocytes and polymorphonuclear cells, which are types of white blood cells. No effect on Mg levels in red blood cells was detected. These results suggest that oral Mg supplements may be useful in treating PMS. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Psychological aspects, Menstrual cycle, Magnesium, Magnesium (Metal)

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