Premenstrual
Syndrome (PMS)
DEFINITION:
A syndrome that occurs several days prior to the onset
of menstruation. Characterized by one or more of the
following: irritability, emotional tension, anxiety,
mood changes, esp., depression and headache, breast
tenderness with or without swelling, water retention,
which may be sufficient enough to cause edema
(swelling). The symptoms subside close to the onset of
menstruation.
CAUSES:
Not
completely understood, but related to the alterations in
estrogen and progesterone during the menstrual cycle.
One cause of PMS is hormone imbalance (excessive
estrogen levels and inadequate progesterone levels).
Hypolglycemia
(low blood sugar) is also a factor. Fluid retention
affects the blood flow, reducing the oxygen in the
uterus, ovaries, and brain.
SYMPTOMS:
PMS can
start as early in the menstrual cycle as one to two
weeks before the menstrual flow starts. Symptoms may
include any or all of the following: depression, cramps,
water retention, skin eruptions, headaches, bloated
abdomen, backache, breast swelling and tenderness,
fatigue, nervousness, joint pain, fainting spells, and
changes in personality (extreme moodswings, unexplained
sadness, outbursts of anger, violence ). PMS is linked
to food allergies, candidiasis, malabsorption.
Unfortunately,
some women have been misdiagnosed as mentally ill when
vitamin therapy, exercise, and change of diet was all
that was needed.
SUGGESTIONS:
Depends
on the severity of symptoms. Mild analgesics may be
helpful, but in severe cases restriction of salt intake
and use of a diuretic to control fluid retention may be
indicated.
NUTRIENTS:
Calcium
with magnesium chloride, 1,500 mg. per day,
relieves cramping, backache, and nervousness.
Primrose
oil, 2 capsules 3 times per day.
Vitamin
B complex, 50 mg. 3 times per day, reduces
water retention.
Vitamin
E, 400 IU at first, increase to 800 IU, helps
relieve sore breasts, and improves oxygen utilization.
Kelp,
4 tablets per day, is a good mineral source.
L-Lysine,
500 mg. daily, start 5 days before menstrual period for
those who suffer from hypoglycemia and/or herpes.
L-Tyrosine,
500 mg. daily, is needed to reduce anxiety, depression
and headache.
Multivitamin
and mineral complex with manganese, taken as
directed on the label.
Vitamin
C with bioflavonoids, 3,000 mg. daily in
divided doses, helps in the relief of discomfort and
breast swelling, and boosts the immune system.
Vitamin
D, taken as directed on the label, is needed
for uptake of calcium and magnesium.
HERBS:
-
Valerian,American
Evening-primrose, common
Yam, wild
St. John's Wort
Dong quai
Thistle, blessed
Cayenne
Kelp
Raspberry leaves
Sarsaparilla
Squaw vine
Siberian Ginseng (do not use if you are
hypoglycemic)
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Dong quai
relieves PMS symptoms including pain, bloating, vaginal
dryness, and depression.
Avoid
salt, alcohol, caffeine, red meats, dairy products,
sugar in any form, processed foods, fast foods or junk
foods. Do not smoke.
The
thyroid gland’s function should be evaluated. Large
numbers of women with PMS have thyroid dysfunction of
some type. The effectiveness of oral contraceptives is
sharply reduced when taking antibiotics. Estrogen-type
hormones should not be used if any of the following are
present: breast cancer, pregnancy, abnormal vaginal
bleeding, or phlebitis (inflammation of the leg veins).
