Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a group of symptoms linked to the menstrual cycle. PMS symptoms occur 1 to 2 weeks before your period (menstruation or monthly bleeding) starts. For some people, PMS is just a monthly bother. For others, it may be so severe that it makes it hard to even get through the day. PMS goes away when your monthly periods stop, such as when you get pregnant or go through menopause.
- Causes:
- Cyclic changes in hormones: Signs and symptoms of premenstrual syndrome change with hormonal fluctuations and disappear with pregnancy and menopause.
- Chemical changes in the brain: Fluctuations of serotonin, a brain chemical (neurotransmitter) that is thought to play a crucial role in mood states, could trigger PMS symptoms: Insufficient amounts of serotonin may contribute to premenstrual depression, as well as to fatigue, food cravings and sleep problems.
- Depression: Some women with severe premenstrual syndrome have undiagnosed depression, though depression alone does not cause all of the symptoms.
- Low levels of vitamins and minerals
- Eating a lot of salty foods, which may cause you to retain (keep) fluid
- Drinking alcohol and caffeine, which may alter your mood and energy level
- Symptoms:
Symptoms vary from woman to woman. |
- Risk factors for premenstrual syndrome include:
- A history of depression or mood disorders, such as postpartum depression or bipolar disorder
- A family history of PMS
- A family history of depression
- Domestic violence
- Substance abuse
- Physical trauma
- Emotional trauma
- Associated conditions include:
- Dysmenorrhea
- Major depressive disorder
- Seasonal affective disorder
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Schizophrenia
PMS occurs more often in women who:
- Are between their late 20s and early 40s
- Have at least 1 child
- Have a family history of depression
- Have a past medical history of either postpartum depression or a mood disorder
You can’t cure PMS, but you can take steps to ease your symptoms. If you have a mild or moderate form of premenstrual syndrome, the treatment options include:
Scientific studies have established the effectiveness of homeopathy in treating PMS.
The homeopathic remedy chosen should correspond to the symptoms described; only one should be used for best results. Sometimes it's a matter of trial and error; if one does not work, try another.
Dr. Ken Korins, a classically trained homeopathic physician in New York City, recommends the following remedies for PMS and lists the type of PMS symptom for which they are most useful.
- drinking plenty of fluids to ease abdominal bloating
- eating a balanced diet to improve your overall health and energy level, which means eating plenty of fruits and vegetables and reducing your intake of sugar, salt, caffeine, and alcohol
- sleeping at least eight hours per night to reduce fatigue
- exercising to decrease bloating and improve your mental health
- reducing stress, such as through exercising and reading
- going to cognitive behavioral therapy, which has been shown to be effective
- Calcium: Consuming 1,200 milligrams (mg) in your diet or with supplemental calcium daily, such as chewable calcium carbonate (Tums, Rolaids, others), may reduce the physical and psychological symptoms of PMS.
- Magnesium: Taking 360 mg of supplemental magnesium daily may help reduce fluid retention, breast tenderness and bloating in women with premenstrual syndrome.
- Vitamin E: This vitamin, taken in 400 international units daily, may ease PMS symptoms by reducing the production of prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that cause cramps and breast tenderness.
- Herbal remedies: Some women report relief of PMS symptoms with the use of herbs, such as ginkgo, ginger, chasteberry, evening primrose oil and St. John's wort. However, few scientific studies have found that any herbs are effective for relief of PMS symptoms.
- Herbal remedies also aren't regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, so there's no record of product safety or effectiveness. Talk with your doctor before taking any herbal products, as they may have side effects or interact with other medications you're taking. St. John's wort, for example, reduces the effectiveness of birth control pills.
- Acupuncture: A practitioner of acupuncture inserts sterilized stainless steel needles into the skin at specific points on the body. Some women experience symptom relief after acupuncture treatment.
Scientific studies have established the effectiveness of homeopathy in treating PMS.
The homeopathic remedy chosen should correspond to the symptoms described; only one should be used for best results. Sometimes it's a matter of trial and error; if one does not work, try another.
Dr. Ken Korins, a classically trained homeopathic physician in New York City, recommends the following remedies for PMS and lists the type of PMS symptom for which they are most useful.
Emotional indications are restlessness, paranoia, and a tendency to be talkative. |
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Bibliography:
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/premenstrual-syndrome/basics/alternative-medicine/con-20020003
https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/premenstrual-syndrome
http://www.healthline.com/health/premenstrual-syndrome#3
http://treatment.hpathy.com/homeo-medicine/homeopathy-premenstrual-syndrome/
https://www.drhomeo.com/menses/homeopathic-remedies-for-pms-or-premenstrual-syndrome/
http://www.greenmedinfo.com/blog/20-remedies-kick-pms-naturally
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/premenstrual-syndrome/basics/alternative-medicine/con-20020003
https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/premenstrual-syndrome
http://www.healthline.com/health/premenstrual-syndrome#3
http://treatment.hpathy.com/homeo-medicine/homeopathy-premenstrual-syndrome/
https://www.drhomeo.com/menses/homeopathic-remedies-for-pms-or-premenstrual-syndrome/
http://www.greenmedinfo.com/blog/20-remedies-kick-pms-naturally