PMT

Symptoms

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) affects around 40% of women in their reproductive years. It involves various physical and psychological changes in the body preceding a period, and usually stops within a day before onset.

Common symptoms include fatigue, mood swings, depression, cravings, cramping, and water retention. Symptoms are mild for the majority of women, but a small proportion (around 5 – 10%) experience severe symptoms that disrupt everyday life.

Symptoms such as bloating, tender breasts, and headaches are thought to be linked to fluctuating levels of hormones that occur just before menstruation.

Causes

The cause of PMS is unknown but one main theory suggests it is associated with the dominance of oestrogen and progesterone levels – which occurs when oestrogen levels are too high.

Other theories include disorders of the thyroid gland, hypothalamus and pituitary gland, and deficiencies in some vitamins including magnesium, manganese, B Vitamins, Vitamin E, and linoleic acid and its by-products. Nutritional supplements have shown promise in effectively relieving symptoms that are thought to be connected with these deficiencies.

How to treat it

A variety of treatment options are available for treating PMS. One of the most important is eating a balanced healthy diet that is low in salt and high in fruits and vegetables, and exercising at least three times a week.

Most commonly, B Vitamins, or dietary supplements such as Evening Primrose Oil 1000, St John’s Wort 1800, and oral contraceptives can also help to relieve symptoms. (Evening Primrose oil contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which is involved in the metabolism of hormone-like substances called postglandins that regulate pain and inflammation of the body.)

Medications, such as antidepressants, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID’s) for pain relief, and beta blockers and anxiolytics for anxiety can be used for severe symptoms. Check with your doctor to discuss what pain relief medication is best for you.

Lifestyle considerations

Primary lifestyle modifications and considerations to consider that can help alleviate PMS include weight management, and not smoking. Other strategies include daily exercise, and limiting your caffeine and alcohol intake. Diets that are high in fibre and whole grains, low in fat, and free from processed foods and dairy products can also help reduce symptoms. Your doctor can provide expert advice regarding safe participation in exercise, and a healthy lifestyle to complement your treatment for PMS. This website also contains some excellent resources, so take some time to browse.

Sourced from:
www.faqs.org
www.totalwellbeing.com
www.internethealthlibrary.com
www.medicinenet.com

How Herron Can Help

  • EPO & Fish Oil

    EPO & Fish Oil

    Helping to relieve the symptoms of PMS, this formulation also offers a rich source of Omega-3 & 6 fatty acids for healthy skin.  General health & well-being are an overall benefit as are cognitive support and a healthy heart... more

PMT Products