Premenstrual Syndrome

PMS or Premenstrual Syndrome is a condition caused by a number of hormonal imbalances that trigger multiple disruptive symptoms in a high number of women prior to menstruation. It is estimated that among 40 million of those who suffer with PMS symptoms, over 5 million need medical treatment. Most of the time symptoms of PMS symptoms disappear when menstruation starts. Females stay symptom free until 5 to 14 days before the next menstrual period. These regularly occurring symptoms after ovulation until menstruation are called Premenstrual syndrome or PMS. Symptoms vary from mild to severe enough that they interfere with work and social activities.

PMS may be manifested by a wide variety of signs and symptoms:

• Depression, irritability, tension, fatigue, anxiety
• Headaches, dizziness and even fainting
• Acne, hives, boils
• Joint and back pain
• Allergy and asthma like signs, hoarseness, sinusitis, sore throat.
• Bladder infections.
• Food cravings, bloating
• Tenderness and swelling of the breasts

The most severe form of PMS is named premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). This disorder takes place in 2 to 9 percent of menstruating females. Symptoms of PMDD and PMS are alike but are much more severe in PMDD.

The etiology of PMS and PMDD is not fully understood. There are hormonal imbalances as well as biochemical neurotransmitters imbalances in the brain which contribute to these.

Various vitamins and nutrients have been found helpful in alleviating and lessening the severity of the symptoms of PMS.

Calcium with Vitamin D was found to reduce an intensity of PMS symptoms by 48%.

Magnesium deficiency was found to significantly worsen PMS symptoms. A double-blind randomized study found oral Magnesium supplementation effective in reducing symptoms of PMS.

Researches from Baylor College in Texas found that in patients suffering from PMS the level of Zinc in the luteal phase was lower than normal, while the copper level was elevated.

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) in the doses of 100 mg was found to be helpful in alleviating symptoms of premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual depression.

Chasteberry, an extract of chaste tree fruit, was found by a double blind controlled study to help for PMS symptoms, especially breast tenderness. Chasteberry was also found to support healthy serotonin level in the brain, therefore helping in mental and physical relaxation.

Ginkgo biloba extract in the amount of 160 Mg was found to alleviate symptoms of fluid retention, breast tenderness and anxiety associated with PMS.

Vitamin E in the amount of 400 IU a day given for 3 months was found to be effective in alleviating the symptoms of PMS.

Theanine, an amino acid, was found to relieve the symptoms of PMS by its normalizing effect on brain neurotransmitters and brain electrical activity. Theanine is present in Green Tea, and is also available as a nutritional supplement.