In order to help women avoid herbal weight loss products symptoms, doctors prescribe certain anti-depressants that prevent serotonin from breaking down so quickly. These are called Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors or SSRI and are probably the most commonly prescribed PMS medication. Lower levels of estrogen may play a role in the lower levels of serotonin. Laboratory studies have shown that estrogen prevents the rapid breakdown of serotonin, as well.
Women who take this type of PMS medication may experience the following symptoms: headache, sexual problems, drowsiness, pupil dilation leading to visual problems and in some cases, for unknown reasons, an increase in depression and anxiety. There are natural alternatives to this type of herbal sexual products medication, derived, once again from plants.
In order for the body to produce serotonin, it needs something called a "precursor". Tryptophan is the best known serotonin precursor and was a widely used dietary supplement, until a tainted batch caused it to be removed from the market. It is difficult to increase tryptophan in the diet, without a supplement. It is found in food, but in very small amounts.
