PMS and Neurotransmitters:
Bond, A. et al.
Tryptophan depletion increases aggression in women during the premenstrual phase.
Psychopharmacology 2001. 156: 477-480.
Tryptophan, the precursor amino acid of serotonin, was intentionally depleted during the premenstrual phase in healthy women and the effects of depleted serotonin were studied. Study conclusions: Decreased serotonin increases aggression in women as well as men.
Dye, L. et al.
Menstrual cycle and appetite control: implications for weight regulation.
Human Reproduction 1997; 12(6): 1142-1151.
Fluctuations in appetite, cravings and energy intake during the menstrual cycle may occur in parallel with cyclical rhythms in serotonin, which can be accompanied by affective mood symptoms known as Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). This premenstrual phase can be considered as a time when women are especially vulnerable to food overconsumption, food craving and depression. These are associated with low serotonin activity.
Sleep and Neurotransmitters:
Mendelson, WB.
Neurotransmitters and sleep.
Journal of Clinical Psychiatry 2001; 62 Suppl 10:5-8.
Sleep can be best understood by considering fluctuation levels of a series of neurotransmitters including the biogenic amines, serotonin and melatonin.
Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Neurotransmitters.
Parker, AJ, et al.
The neuroendocrinology of chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia.
Psych Med 2001 Nov; 31(8): 1331-45.
Disturbances of the brain-adrenal axis with chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia are described. Symptoms are due to: (1) low circulating stress hormone cortisol from adrenals, (2) disturbance of central neurotransmitters, especially serotonin, (3) disturbance of the relationship between cortisol and central neurotransmitter function, especially serotonin.
Motivation and Dopamine:
Depue, RA et al.
Neurobiology of the structure of personality: dopamine, facilitation of incentive motivation, and extraversion.
Behavioral Brain Science 1999 Jun; 22(3): 491-517. Discussion 518-69.
Individual differences in dopamine promote variations in incentive, motivation and behavior.
