The diagnosis of PMS depends on the timing of symptoms in each menstrual cycle, and not on the symptoms themselves. It is the timing of these symptoms that determine whether you have PMS. The symptoms will occur on a regular basis, beginning after ovulation, and ceasing with menses.

Dopamine, produced by the brain, induces relaxation, increasing mental alertness, and it works to prevent sodium and water retention. Without sufficient dopamine, the biogenic amines are not held in check, moods are greatly affected in a negative manner, and sodium and water retention increase. Water retention causes bloating, beast tenderness, and headaches, all major PMS symptoms.

The only positive method of diagnosis for PMS is the simple method of recording the symptoms and the dates of menstruation on a menstrual chart for a three month period. Symptoms scattered about the chart with no discernable pattern indicate that factors other than PMS are affecting the woman. Symptoms clustered before menstruation indicate PMS, however, most women know intuitively when they have PMS.

The harsh reality of the modern-day woman’s life is one of constant physical and emotional wear and tear. Increased demands on their time, increasing stress, and lack of proper exercise, are all contributing factors. However, for the majority of women, the majority of the time, PMS is brought on by vitamin and especially mineral deficiency.

Emphasizing magnesium intake over calcium is a critical factor in preventing PMS. Women experiencing PMS have been found consistently to have low blood magnesium levels. Magnesium and calcium must be taken together for either one to be effectively absorbed. Research indicates that a ratio of 2 to 1 is best for maximum absorption.

Estrogen dominance is a major factor in PMS, exasperating exsisting PMS symptoms and causing other sumptoms to onset. To prevent “estrogen dominance” and its negative influence on moods and fluid retention, increased intake of B vitamins and magnesium is absolutely essential.

Excess estrogen is a major cause of PMS. Estrogen imbalance affects mood swings by increasing the activity of the biogenic amines, epinephrine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. Epinephrine triggers anxiety. Norepinephrine causes hostility and irritability. Serotonin at high levels creates nervous tension, and inability to concentrate.

Estrogen increases the level of the adrenal hormone aldosterone, which prevents the normal excretion of salt from the kidneys, adding to fluid retention. This helps to create the PMS symptoms of bloating, abdominal swelling, and swollen breasts.

Women reporting PMS symptoms have consistently been found to have significantly less magnesium in their blood. Without necessary magnesium levels insulin cannot be produced, and without insulin glucose conversion is not possible.

Failing to receive glucose, the brain detects a lack of sugar, and will release signals that trigger the “sweet tooth.” This sets off cravings for candy, chocolate, pastries, or anything that is sweet and sticky. Many women report being “obsessed” with a desire for chocolate, which is rich in magnesium.

When the brain-under-stress releases signals that trigger the cravings for sweets, few people have the will-power to resist this biological call. Strong cravings result in women eating sugar-laden foods compulsively, or so called “binge eating.”

Refined sugar is absorbed into the blood stream faster than any other food and increases the ability of insulin by a factor of 3 to 11 times. This sudden rise in blood sugar levels triggers insulin release far in excess of what is needed. This causes a rapid and precipitous drop in blood sugar levels, the so called PMS “sugar-crash.”