GABA, L-Theanine, PMS and PMDD

The Amino Acid Found Naturally in Green Tea Can Alleviate Symptoms

Jun 16, 2009

A Japanese company found that L-theanine in the form of the patented Suntheanine® reduces physical, mental and social symptoms of PM

In 2001 Taiyo International researchers found that the amino acid L-theanine reduced premenstrual symptoms in subjects across three key areas, physical, mental and social.(“Improving Effect of L-Theanine on Premenstrual Syndrome,"Japanese Society of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dec. 2001)

PMS, PMDD, GABA and L-Theanine

According to the National Women's Health Information Center, US. Department of Health and Human Services (2006), 85 percent of menstruating women have at least one PMS symptom as part of their monthly cycle. Nearly three to eight percent of menstruating women have a more severe form of PMS, called Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD).

Taiyo found that L-theanine in their patented Suntheanine® form, improved PMS symptoms across a spectrum of symptoms:

Sleepiness, fatigue, breast pain/stiffness, rough/chapped skin, lower abdominal pain, headaches, coldness in hands and feet, edema.

Irritability, anger, anxiety, decreased self-esteem, depression, fear, poor concentration.

Absence from work, self dislike, desire to be alone, poor personal hygiene, desire to stay at home.

Subjects were asked to complete a Menstrual Distress Questionnaire (MDQ) survey three days prior to their expected menstruation date or three months (menstrual cycles) and were blindly given either Suntheanine® tablets or a placebo. Participants who received Suntheanine® took 100 mg twice a day.

Results indicated that Suntheanine improved the subjects' PMS symptoms across all three categories, particularly with the mental symptoms.

Why Does Theanine Help PMS?

According to Carolyn Perrini, CLS, CNC in her article “L-Theanine: How a Unique Anxiety Reducer and Mood Enhancer Increases Alpha Waves and Alertness, “L-theanine acid stimulates the production of alpha brain waves, creating a state of deep relaxation and mental alertness similar to what is achieved through meditation. Second, L-theanine is involved in the formation of the inhibitory neurotransmitter, gamma amino butyric acid (GABA). GABA influences the levels of two other neurotransmitters, dopamine and serotonin, producing the key relaxation effect.”

GABA, or gamma-aminobutyric acid, directly influences someone's personality and ability to handle stress. As the primary calming, or "peacemaker" chemical, GABA induces relaxation, reduces anxiety, and increases alertness. L-theanine has the unique paradoxical affect of increasing mental alertness during the day without making someone feel jittery and also create a sense of non-sedative relaxation. People can also take L-theanine to promote sleep without experiencing morning after side effects.

Green Tea and L-Theanine

Green tea has been shown to provide a number of health benefits because of its rich source of polyphenols known as catechins, potent antioxidants that may help prevent cancer, retard atherosclerosis, improve mood, and inhibit the growth of bacteria and other pathogens. Yet this superfood also contains another powerful naturally occurring compound, an amino acid called L-theanine which has been shown to reduce the negative side affects of the caffeine in green tea. In addition, L-theanine has been shown to:

Most green teas sold in North America however, contain less than 10mg of L-theanine per serving and the recommended dose is between 50-200mg, most people don’t drink enough green tea to feel the beneficial effects of L-theanine. Supplements are available. Consumers should look for the patented form of L-theanine, Suntheanine®.

Although the maximum safe dosage level hasn't been determined, in doses of more than 400mg, some people experience sedation effects. And while GABA supplements gained increased attention in the last few years, unlike L-theanine, GABA supplements don't easily cross the blood-brain barrier.

L-theanine in the form of the patented Suntheanine® may help alleviate some of the physical, mental and social symptoms women experience with PMS or PMDD.

The copyright of the article GABA, L-Theanine, PMS and PMDD in Women’s Health is owned by Laura Owens. Permission to republish GABA, L-Theanine, PMS and PMDD in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.