PMS

One of the most common hormone- related conditions in otherwise healthy Women is
premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Recurrent signs and symptoms that develop during the
seven to fourteen days prior to menstruation.
Typical symptoms include decreased energy , irritability , mood swings, depression,
headache, altered sex drive, breast tenderness or pain, backache , abdominal bloating ,
edema of fingers and ankles, sugar cravings, cramps and weight gain. These will last
through two to three days of menstruation, some time longer.
Theories on the causes of PMS are varying, but hormonal, nutritional and
psychological factors are all possible as are the stresses of our modern culture.
- Plasma estrogens are elevated and plasma progesterone
levels are reduced five to ten days before menses.
- Prolactin levels are elevated in most, but not all, PMS
patients.
- Follicle stimulating hormone levels are elevated six to nine
days prior to the onset of the menses.
- Aldosterone levels are marginally elevated two to eight
days prior to the onset of menses.
- Hypothyroidism is a common factor
- Decreased production of Prostaglandin EI.
- The use of Gamma-linolenic acid, and oil of evening
primrose.
- Other nutrients encouraging the conversion of fatty acids
to prostaglandin are magnesium, B6, zinc, Niacin,
Vitamin C.
Magnesium deficiency leading to decreased dopamine in the brain resulting in
increase levels of central nervous system stimulators (norepinephrine and serotonin).
Increased prolactin levels causing decreased progesterone. Postpartum depression is
very similar to PMS both in symptoms and in the hormonal picture of progesterone
deficiency.
The symptoms may include:
Behavioral Symptoms - personality alteration as nervousness, irritability, mood swings,
Unreasonable temper, fatigue, depression, heart palpitations, tightening in the chest
and hyperventilation are common.
Neurological Symptoms - headache, dizziness, Respiratory Symptoms -asthma may be
intensified.
Gastrointestinal - Constipation, increase or decrease in appetite, carbohydrate cravings
particularly sugar and chocolate. Miscellaneous symptoms includes ; edema, weight
gain, backache, enuresis, oliguria, capillary fragility, breast changes and eye
complaints.
Therapy
The reproduction system and nervous system usually needs aid. In some cases
attention must be given to endocrine function. Different remedies may act as specific,
for certain women, so generalizations are problematic. Vitamins, Vitamin C, vitamin E.
Evening primrose oil, Chromium, Vitamin B6, Niacin and glandular products like ovary
and anterior pituitary are some of the products are used very successfully to help
relieve the symptoms of the premenstrual syndrome.
In Ayurveda the establishment of dosha of the person and treating according her
Dosha or biochemical individuality is important and can be very precise. Eliminating
refined sugars, coffee, alcohol, physical exercise and relaxing exercises are very helpful.
The possible prescriptions requires:
- Nervine
- Antispasmodic
- Diuretic
- Uterine tonic to balance the hormones
Nutritional Supplements
- Vitamin B complex
- Vitamin B6
- Magnesium
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin E
- Beta-carotene
- Zinc
- Linseed oil
Sub group specific recommendations:
PMS-A
- Bioflavonoids
PMS-C
- Evening primrose oil
- Hypoglycemic diet
PMS-D
-Tyrosine
-Check for lead toxicity
PMS-H
- Liquorice