The number 1 hormone to test for in PMDD

PMDD causes significant mood changes (and physical symptoms for some) leading up to the menstrual cycle which are relieved with the onset of menstrual bleeding.   While this is clearly hormone-related with the onset after ovulation and resolution with menstrual bleeding; testing estrogen and progesterone doesn’t help us treat the condition.

There have been studies where women’s hormones were tested and it wasn’t possible to differentiate who was suffering from PMDD and who was not based on their hormone levels.  

What we THINK is happening is that some women’s brains are more sensitive to the hormone fluctuations that are occurring premenstrually and that the fluctuations may be impacting their ability to make serotonin during this time of the month. 

To reiterate, the fluctuations/drops in hormones are happening for everyone, but SOME people FEEL the fluctuation in terms of their mood much more severely than others.

The hormone that DOES give us insight in terms of treatment is Vitamin D. Low vitamin D seems to exacerbate symptoms of PMDD in the luteal phase, and treating sufficiency helps to decrease the symptoms.  

The mechanism isn’t fully understood but the benefit seems to be there in those who need it.  

The caution is that Vitamin D does have an upper intake limit, so we need to test to ensure supplementation will be a safe option. Vitamin D testing in blood work allows us to understand if this is part of YOUR picture, and helps us to guide dosing as one of the ways to manage this condition. Get tested!

If you need support in getting your Vitamin D (or any other blood marker) tested, reach out!