Premenstrual Syndrome
Premenstrual
Syndrome
PREMENSTRUAL SYNDROME
Known Facts: At least 60% of all women suffer from PMS. PMS is most likely to occur in women in their thirties, although it can occur as early as adolescence and through the perimenopausal years.
Emotional Symptoms include:
- anger
- anxiety
- crying
- depression
- irritability
- loss of self-esteem
- panic states
- paranoia
- suicidal thoughts
- tension
- violence
- withdrawal
- PMS may resemble an altered state of consciousness with heightened creativity and intense sensitivity.
Physical Symptoms include:
- water retention
- abdominal cramping
- lack of coordination
- slurred speech
- muscle aches
- joint pain
- acne
- alcohol intolerance
- asthma
- breast swelling
- spaciness
- eating disorders
- eye difficulties
- fainting
- fatigue
- hand numbness
- headaches
- hemorrhoids
- increased susceptibility to infections
- insomnia
- cramps
- nausea
- palpitations
- seizures
- sensitivity to noise, touch and smell
- sex drive changes
- sweet cravings
- salt cravings
- urinary difficulties
- weight gain
Diagnosis: PMS is always cyclical in nature. Symptoms usually appear from two weeks before menstruation, at ovulation, to two days before menstruation. However, there is a syndrome called premenstrual magnification where premenstrual symptoms exist all month long. The important diagnostic factor here is that there is still a cyclic nature in which symptoms become more severe during the premenstrual time. Keeping a daily diary is a helpful tool in diagnosing PMS.
Cause: We know that the hypothalamus which balances and stimulates hormone production and effects the autonomic nervous system does not function as well during this time. There are many theories why this happens and yet we still do not understand the exact mechanism of PMS.
Treatment: "Studies have confirmed that unresolved emotional problems may disrupt the menstrual rhythm and the normal hormonal milieu. Though psychotherapy is often prescribed for women with PMS and may provide insights about stress it ignores the nutritional and biochemical aspects of this disorder." -Christine Northrup M.D.
Program for PMS Relief includes:
- Elimination of caffeine
- Elimination of sugar and refined flour products
- Avoiding consumption of alcohol
- Increased consumption of essential fatty acids, especially gamma linoleic acid for proper metabolism of hormones. Borage oil, black currant seed oil and evening primrose oil are good sources of essential fatty acids.
- Calcium/Magnesium supplement
- Potassium
- A multivitamin mineral supplement which includes Vitamin B-6, Vitamin A and Vitamin E.
- Limiting tobacco use
- Eating smaller more frequent meals to regulate blood sugar.
- Eating a balanced diet which includes whole grains, fresh vegetables, fish, poultry and legumes as the main sources of protein.
- Limiting dairy products to two servings a day, preferably low fat.
- Using natural diuretics like parsley or uva ursi tea, cucumbers, watermelon and celery juice to help with swelling.
Stress Reduction such as:
- Regular exercise 3- 5 times a week for at least 20 minutes.
- Meditation
- Yoga
- Baths
- Massage
- Journal writing and expressive arts
- Natural progesterone therapy
- Acupuncture
- Homeopathy
- Flower essences
- Hormonal balancing and nourishing herbs such as vitex, motherwort, black cohosh, nettle and oat straw.
- Psychotherapy and support groups