What is premenstrual syndrome?

Premenstrual syndrome, also known as PMS, is defined as a recurrent condition characterized by troublesome symptoms lasting for up to 2 weeks before menstruation. Typical symptoms of PMS include decreased energy, tension, irritability, depression, headache, altered sex drive, breast pain, backache, abdominal bloating and swelling of ankles and fingers. Severe PMS with depression, irritability, and extreme mood swings is referred to as premenstrual dysphoric disorder.

Some statistics

It has been estimated that 30% to 40% of women between the ages of 25 and 50 (with peak occurrences among women in their thirties and forties) experience mild to moderate symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. The onset of PMS usually follows first menstruation. It can also be triggered by a traumatic event or factors which disrupt woman's hormonal system such as: childbirth, hysterectomy, going on or off birth control pills and so on. Lastly there has also been found a hereditary component to PMS however specific symptoms may differ.

Classifications and diagnosis of PMS

Diagnosis of PMS is usually made by the association of the symptoms attributed to PMS with their occurrence during the luteal phase (which is 2 weeks before menstruation) of the menstrual cycle. There is no blood test, scan, or examination that will demonstrate conclusively the presence of PMS. In light of this information however it is important not to self-diagnose because other potentially dangerous disorders have to be ruled out first. Because premenstrual syndrome encompasses such a wide range of symptoms, health practitioners have created classification systems that identify PMS sufferers into specific groups. The classification system presented here was developed by Dr. Guy Abraham. According to his system there are four distinct PMS subgroups. Keep in mind that you may be classified into more than one subgroup. The four sub groups are:

PMS-A

"A" in this case stands for anxiety. This is the most common symptom subgroup and has been found to be strongly associated with excessive estrogen and deficient progesterone during the premenstrual phase. Common symptoms are: anxiety, irritability and emotional instability (mood swings).

PMS-C

"C" stands for carbohydrate craving. This category is associated with increased appetite, craving for sweets, headaches, fatigue, fainting spells and heart palpitations. There is no clear explanation as to why this happens but some experts theorize that there is an increase in glucose or sugar need due to hormonal influences. At this point the mechanism of this is unclear.

PMS-D

"D" stands for depression. This is the least common and relatively rare to have on its own. The central symptom here is depression with associated low levels of neurotransmitters in the brain. This category is likely to be due to estrogen deficiency in contrast to PMS-A.

PMS-H

"H" stands for hyperhydration. This category is characterized by a weight gain, abdominal bloating, breast tenderness, congestion and occasional swelling of the face, hands and ankles. These symptoms come on due to hypersecretion of a hormone called aldosterone, which causes fluid retention.

How can Naturopathic Medicine help you with PMS?

Botanical

Botanicals are made from whole plants that ultimately deliver not only the active ingredient but also other substances that help counteract side effects. The bottom line is that botanicals tackle certain symptoms effectively without producing side effects or inducing stress to the body. Botanicals will work with your body to correct any hormonal imbalances and in addition they will improve your health in general. For example, by administering botanicals for detoxification will not only improve the metabolism of certain hormones but also they will benefit you on a much broader scale by eliminating toxic substances faster and more effectively. There are conventional pharmaceuticals used to treat PMS, however many of them are foreign to our bodies and unfortunately produce many unpleasant side effects. Some of the groups of pharmaceuticals used are: antidepressants, hormone therapies, anti-anxiety drugs, diuretics and vast variety of painkillers. Keep in mind that these therapies address one particular symptom and do not look at the underlying cause of this syndrome. Our emphasis is on natural and supplementary treatments, which are also safe and free of bothersome side effects.

Nutrition

One of the very successful treatments of PMS is a change in ones diet and supplementation of some essential nutrients (vitamins and minerals). Such nutritional changes alter certain chemical reactions in our bodies and allow us to correct hormonal imbalances. Nutritional program is a plan which will promote inner harmony and balance by emphasizing whole, natural foods without harmful fats, sugars, and toxic additives such as artificial flavorings and preservatives. Part of this plan will be significantly reducing intake of certain food items such as refined sugar, salt, caffeine and alcohol. On the other hand we will concentrate on increasing foods that promote premenstrual health. These are: whole-grain foods, legumes, vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds, sea vegetables and soy-based foods. Another advantage of this therapy is that it is affordable. All it will require you to do is buy the right kinds of foods.

Traditional Chinese Medicine

In addition to nutrition and Botanical medicine another very successful treatment of PMS is Traditional Chinese Medicine. This modality offers wide range of treatments, such as: acupuncture, dietary and eastern herbs. Acupuncture or acupressure is a method of stimulating certain points on the body to correct energetic and hormonal imbalances. Depending on one’s symptom picture different sets of points are used. Acupuncture is a safe, gentle and painless treatment. Diet is very important in Chinese Medicine and it is individualized to patient’s presenting symptoms. Chinese herbs, like western botanicals are made from whole plants that work holisticly to bring your body into balance.

Once again it is important not to self-diagnose. Proper medical care is critical to good health. Some herbs if used inappropriately can be dangerous to your bodies. If you have symptoms suggestive of PMS please consult a qualified professional for appropriate advice.

References

1. Michael T. Murray. Premenstrual Syndrome. Prima Publishing. United States,1997.
2. Deborah Mitchell. Natural Medicine for PMS. Dell Publishing. New York. July, 1998.
3. Helen J. Batchelder. Everything you need to know about PMS. Prima Publishing. United States, 1999.
4. Caroline Shreeve. The premenstrual syndrome - the curse that can be cured. Thorsons Publishers Limited. Great Britain, 1983.
5. Susan M. Lark. PMS - self help book. Celestialarts. Berkeley (California), 1984.