Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

4. Role of GABA and Serotonin

Scientists hypothesize that women with PMDD are more vulnerable to certain neurotransmitters in the central nervous system. They believe ovarian function is negatively affected by serotonin and gamma-aminobutyric acid, GABA, during the luteal phase or latter half of a woman's cycle. Serotonin is a feel-good neurotransmitter and GABA is known for promoting relaxation. Research suggests that during this phase, ovarian steroids such as estrogen somehow disrupt the effects of these two chemicals, contributing to PMDD.