Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) are conditions causing physical and emotional symptoms in the weeks before menstruation. They are caused by hormonal fluctuations, particularly low progesterone levels during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. The Progesterone Blood Test is the most important test for identifying hormonal imbalances contributing to PMS and PMDD symptoms.
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PMS and PMDD are caused by hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle, particularly involving progesterone and estrogen. During the luteal phase (the two weeks before your period), progesterone levels should rise after ovulation and then fall if pregnancy does not occur. When progesterone levels are too low or the ratio between estrogen and progesterone is imbalanced, it can trigger physical symptoms like bloating, breast tenderness, and fatigue, as well as emotional symptoms like mood swings, irritability, anxiety, and depression. Women with PMDD experience more severe symptoms that significantly interfere with daily activities and relationships.
The Progesterone Blood Test is the most important test for PMS and PMDD because it measures your progesterone levels during the luteal phase of your cycle when symptoms typically occur. Low progesterone during this time is a key hormonal imbalance that contributes to both physical and emotional PMS and PMDD symptoms. The test should ideally be done about one week after ovulation (around day 21 of a 28-day cycle) when progesterone levels should be at their peak. Your healthcare provider can use these results along with your symptom patterns to determine if hormonal imbalance is the root cause and develop a targeted treatment plan that may include progesterone supplementation, lifestyle changes, or other hormonal therapies.
You should get tested if you experience recurring symptoms in the week or two before your period that improve within a few days after menstruation starts. Common signs include severe mood swings, irritability, anxiety, depression, bloating, breast tenderness, fatigue, food cravings, or sleep problems that interfere with your work, relationships, or daily activities. Testing is especially important if your symptoms are severe enough to disrupt your life (which suggests PMDD rather than typical PMS), if over-the-counter remedies are not helping, or if you want to understand whether hormonal imbalances are contributing to your symptoms so you can pursue targeted treatment options.
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What this means
Your progesterone level is slightly below the optimal range for the luteal phase of your cycle. This may indicate that ovulation didn't occur this cycle, or that your body is producing less progesterone than ideal, which can affect fertility and cause irregular periods or PMS symptoms.
Recommended actions
Track your cycle timing and symptoms to identify patterns
Reduce stress through yoga, meditation, or relaxation techniques
Ensure adequate intake of vitamin B6, vitamin C, and zinc through diet or supplements
Consider retesting on day 21 of your next cycle to monitor trends
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