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Pre-menstrual syndrome

Pre-Menstrual Syndrome

Pre-Menstrual Syndrome is a major health concern of women in child bearing years. It is estimated that 70% are affected with varying level of symptoms and duration.

Q. What is Pre-Menstrual Syndrome?

A. This includes almost any symptom that regularly starts at ovulation and disappears with menstruation. Well over 100 symptoms have been described, but the main ones includes mood swings, anxiety, bloating, fluid retention, acne, tiredness, headaches, sugar cravings, and irritable bowel syndrome.

Q. Do all sufferers usually have the same symptoms?

A. No, attempts have been made to categorize it into four types:

1. A - Anxiety: This includes mood swings, irritability and anxiety.

2. C - Cravings: Cravings for sweets or chocolate dominates with increased appetite, fatigue and headaches.

3. H - In this type, water retention, breast tenderness, bloating and weight gain predominate.

4. D - Depression: Main symptoms include depression, confusion and poor co-ordination.

It is undoubtedly true that certain symptoms predominate in some patients, but there is a large overlapping of these syndromes.

Q. What is the cause of P.M.S.?

A. Despite a vast amount of research, the cause is unknown in that there is no known difference in hormone levels between sufferers and non-sufferers. It probably represents increased sensitivity of the body tissues to normal hormonal levels.

Q. Treatment – what conventional drugs are used?

A. Many treatments have been tried over the years, including:

(a) Hormonal preparations, including the combined pill, and different strengths of oestrogen and progesterone;

(b) Diuretics used where fluid retention predominates;

(d) Pain killers.

All of these may have some benefit in selected individuals, but do not cure the underlying problem.

Natural Approaches:

Complementary medicine has a considerable amount to offer. The exact treatment programme will depend on the symptoms involved and general health.

(a) Vitamins and Minerals – these normally include B vitamins (particularly B6), magnesium, zinc and essential fatty acids (omega 6 and omega 3). It is important to take these in appropriate dosages for approximately three months. Side effects are rare, but beware of interaction with other medication or medical conditions;

(b) Diet – a diet to stabilize blood sugar levels, including reduction of refined carbohydrates and caffeine intake;

(c) Herbal Medicine / Homeopathy – herbal medicines used include Agnes Castus, Dong Quai and, less commonly, Black Cohosh and Milk Thistle. (Herbs for the liver can be indicated as this is an important organ of detoxification of hormones). The selection of Homeopathic medicines is individual, but depending on symptom profile can include Sepia, Lachesis, Apis and Pulsatilla.

Q. Will I need to keep on these medicines forever?

A. No, depending on response, a full treatment programme is required for approximately three cycles. However, not all of the above will be required in any one individual. As the condition improves, the need for regular medication will diminish.