Conditions
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a disorder that affects many women during the one to two weeks before menstruation begins, and ends within a few days of the onset of bleeding.
Signs and Symptoms:
Symptoms can include any or all of the following:
- Abdominal bloating
- Acne
- Anxiety
- Backache
- Breast swelling and tenderness
- Cramps
- Depression
- Food cravings
- Fainting spells
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Insomnia
- Joint pain
- Nervousness
- Skin eruptions
- Water retention
- Mood swings
- Outbursts of anger
- Violence
Diagnosis:
The symptoms are so numerous and various that diagnosing and treating this condition is often difficult.
Treatment Options:
There is no consensus about treatment strategies. Simple interventions such as exercise and dietary restrictions (e.g., avoid salt, caffeine, alcohol, chocolate) are attempted first, as improvement may result. Stress reduction may also result in relief of some symptoms. Drug therapy may be necessary for severe symptoms.
Traditional Treatments:
- Stress management techniques are usually the first treatment
- Anti-anxiety drugs such as diazepam (Valium) were once prescribed for women who complained of PMS. However, they can cause dependency so, alternatives are often sought first.
- Many women have found relief from symptoms with the short-term use of an antidepressant.
- Natural hormone therapy has been receiving increased prominence in the treatment of PMS.
Complementary and Alternative Therapies:
Complementary and alternative therapies may be useful at decreasing intensity and duration of symptoms.
Nutritional Supplementation:
Many PMS-related symptoms are caused by nutritional deficiencies. Take a high-quality multivitamin and mineral support.
Acidophilus can help decrease the reabsorption of estrogens from the intestines, thereby assisting in normalizing the estrogen-proestrogen balance. Follow the label direction.
Black currant seed oil, borage oil, and evening primrose oil contain gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which has many beneficial properties for PMS. Take 1,000 mg of borage, black currant seed, or evening primrose oil, and/or an equal amount of flaxseed oil, twice daily.
Calcium supplementation may help minimize PMS. Take 800 to 1200 mg of calcium daily, in divided doses.
Magnesium deficiencies can be the cause of many problems in women, including many PMS symptoms. Take 400 to 800 mg of magnesium aspartate or magnesium citrate daily.
Soy isoflavones provide phytoestrogens that help to balance hormone levels. Take 500 mg twice daily.
The B vitamins are essential to the health of the nervous system. Take a vitamin-B complex that supplies 25mg of each of the major B vitamins two or three times daily.
Zinc deficiency is common in women with PMS. Take 15 mg of zinc picolinate daily.
Melatonin is important for regulating hormone levels.
Alternative Therapies:
- Black haw contains four compounds that relax the uterus and relieves muscle spasms, and can help relieve abdominal pain associated with PMS.
- Bupleurum and dong quai and blupleurum and peony are two Chinese herbal combination that help to regulate the menstrual cycle and reduce bloating and irritability.
- Chaste tree berry (vitex) may provide relief of PMS symptoms.
- False unicorn root is often used to help balance female hormones.
- Kava kava contains two pain relieving chemicals and is effective as a relaxant for menstrual cramps.
- Milk thistle may be beneficial.
- Red raspberry leaf helps to ease menstrual cramps by relaxing the uterus.
- Peppermint, strawberry leaf, and valerian root help to stabilize mood swings and tone the nervous system.
- Wild yam extract contains natural progesterone and has proved effective in alleviating many symptoms of PMS.
General Recommendations:
- Get regular exercise.
- See a doctor to rule out an underlying medical condition.
- Low blood sugar can be a factor in many of the symptoms of PMS. Keep an eye on your blood sugar levels.
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