It's estimated that 30% to 40% of women have symptoms of PMS (premenstrual syndrome). These symptoms are severe enough to impair their daily activities, according to the Mayo Clinic. About 7% more have a form of PMS so disabling that it has its own psychiatric description. This condition, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, describes a state marked by extreme anxiety, depression, and restlessness.

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We now know that many of the familiar symptoms of PMS can result from low levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin. Researchers have found that both mood swings and food cravings parallel the cycle-related changes in serotonin levels. Evidence shows that low serotonin can affect:

• Moods , including tension, irritability, aggressiveness, anxiety and depression
• Food cravings, especially carbohydrate cravings
• Overeating, binge eating and weight gain.

In fact, a low serotonin level has been linked to all the conditions that manifest in PMS; sleep problems, depression, anxiety, aggression, binge eating, temperature, lower libido, and pain.

Serotonin levels in the body tend to reflect the level of available tryptophan - the raw material the body converts into serotonin. Our own natural levels of tryptophan can be increased and normalized by taking tryptophan supplements. This in turn raises serotonin levels, which can moderate many of the symptoms associated with PMS.

The effects of tryptophan supplementation have been evaluated in a number of controlled studies with excellent results in all of the symptoms related to low serotonin levels and PMS.

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When to Start Tryptophan: You can begin taking tryptophan as soon as you are aware of PMS symptoms. You can also start at the time of the month when symptoms usually appear. Even if PMS symptoms have begun, it's not too late to start the tryptophan since it is rapidly absorbed into the body and fast acting. Some women don't take tryptophan on an ongoing basis. They take it for a few days - or however long their PMS issues tend to last.

Mild PMS Dosage : Start with 1 capsule first thing in the morning and 1 capsule in the evening. Add additional doses as needed during the day, up to 4 doses a day. Generally best if taken away from food, but if that is not convenient, take it with meals.

Learn your dose: The exact dose of tryptophan is very individual. Begin with the starting dose of 2 a day; don't hesitate to increase the dose if it feels like you need more. Some women need 4 or 6 caps a day. Spread the capsules out to 3 or 4 doses a day. Adding a tablet of the B-vitamin Tri-Phos-B to each dose of Tryptophan can also help by providing the B-vitamins required for conversion of Tryptophan to Serotonin.

Maintenance Dose: Once your cycle has started, your body's need for tryptophan will probably be less. However, bothersome or frequent PMS symptoms suggest a tendency for chronically low serotonin levels. If this is the case, you may consider taking a regular maintenance dose of Tryptophan and Tri-Phos-B.

Buy a large size Tryptophan and get a Tri-Phos-B for half price. [Buy]

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We have had hundreds of cases in which tryptophan has helped people with insomnia or mood swings. We've seen many, many cases of PMS which have improved.

The applications of tryptophan are particularly relevant in PMS. We know that tryptophan raises serotonin. The benefit of higher serotonin levels on moods and irritability can be almost magical. We have seen similar improvements in binge eating and food cravings, especially carbohydrate cravings.

If you are taking certain types of medication, you should consult your physician before taking tryptophan. These medications include anti-depressants (particularly SSRIs), anti-anxiety drugs, tricyclic drugs, MAO Inhibitors, some sleep medications, certain Parkinson's medications, or amphetamines. Tryptophan may interact unfavorably with medications, particularly those used for mood conditions such as depression or anxiety.

Some medications, especially anti-depressants and anti-anxiety drugs, can raise serotonin levels in the body. The addition of tryptophan while taking these medications could possibly raise serotonin to a dangerous level. This is called Serotonin Syndrome. The symptoms of Serotonin Syndrome can resemble the symptoms of low tryptophan. If you are taking medication in combination with tryptophan and you develop any type of adverse symptoms, contact your physician immediately. It is important not to increase the dosage of either the medication or the tryptophan, as that could raise serotonin levels even higher.

If you are taking any of the medications mentioned above and would like to use tryptophan, inform your physician and get guidance on reducing your medication dosage. Do not do reduce or stop your medication without medical supervision.

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. Tri-Phos-B - Contains the B vitamins required to convert tryptophan to serotonin.

. All-Basic - A multi amino acid formula that helps with stress, energy and mental function.

. AntiOx - A scientifically balanced blend of anti-oxidants nutrients that protects against the effects of stress and helps the body use amino acids.

. OcuDyne II - An exceptional multi-vitamin and mineral formula rich in anti-oxidants.

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TC Birdsall. "5-Hydroxytryptophan: a clinically-effective serotonin precursor." Alternative Medicine Review . August 1998; Vol 3, No 4: pages 271-280

AJ Bond and others. "Tryptophan depletion increases aggression in women during the premenstrual phase." Psychopharmacology ( Berlin ) . August 2001; Vol 156, No 4: pages 477-480.

L. Dye and JE Blundell. "Menstrual cycle and appetite control: implications for weight regulation." Human Reproduction ( Oxford , England ) . June 1997; Vol 12, No 6: pages 1142-1151.

F Limosin and J Ades. "Psychiatric and psychological aspects of premenstrual syndrome." [Article in French]. Encephale . November-December 2001; Vol. 27, No. 6: pages 501-508.

Mayo Clinic: www.mayoclinic.com/findinformation/diseasesandconditions/invoke.cfm?id=DS00134 ; accessed 6/04.

DB Menkes and others. "Acute tryptophan depletion aggravates premenstrual syndrome." Journal of Affective Disorders . September 1994; Vol. 32, No1: 1 pages 37-44.

S Steinberg and others. "A placebo-controlled study of the effects of L-tryptophan in patients with premenstrual dysphoria." Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology . 1999; Vol 467: pages 85-88.

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Our moods and sleep are regulated by powerful brain chemistry, particularly serotonin, one of our most important neurotransmitters. Low serotonin levels have been identified as a cause of depression in hundreds of research studies. Serotonin is made in the brain from tryptophan, an essential amino acid. Tryptophan is the raw material the brain requires to make serotonin.

Tryptophan is a component of most proteins. Unfortunately, stress can deplete tryptophan. A number of other factors can also lead to tryptophan deficiencies, which in turn result in low levels of serotonin.

Extensive research has shown that tryptophan supplements raise serotonin levels. By using a nutritional supplement, we are simply providing the raw material the body needs to produce serotonin. Raising serotonin is a vital step in addressing depression, anxiety, PMS mood swings, and insomnia. The ability of tryptophan to support the body's production of this absolutely critical neurotransmitter is what makes tryptophan such an important, sought-after nutritional product.

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