Vitamin
B6 has been known to reduce blood estrogen and
increases progesterone. Therefore, B6
deficiency will cause decreased liver metabolism of
estrogen, causing an excess of estrogen, this
results in "estrogen dominance."
Estrogen
imbalance effects mood swings by increasing the
activity of the biogenic amines, epinephrine,
norepinephrine, and serotonin levels, which affect
moods. Epinephrine triggers anxiety. Norepinephrine
causes hostility and irritability. Serotonin at high
levels creates nervous tension, and inability to
concentrate.
Dopamine,
produced by the brain, balances out the effects of
the biogenic amines by inducing relaxation,
increases mental alertness, and 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.
Estrogen
also increases the level of the adrenal hormone
aldosterone, which prevents the normal excretion of
salt from the kidneys, adding to fluid retention.
This creates edema-like symptoms of bloating,
abdominal swelling, and swollen breasts.
Excess fluid
swells the nerve tissue and membranes surrounding
the brain. The brain is encased within the skull,
and can only expand as far as the skull permits.
This leads to torturous migraine headaches that are
often described as "vise-like."
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