Premenstrual Syndrome 13-02-2006 This is a syndrome (also called PMT) is characterised by a wide range of symptoms which occur to12 days before the onset of the menstrual cycle. Around 40 per cent of women define themselves as suffering from premenstrual syndrome (PMS), some so intensely affected that their normal daily functioning is severely compromised. Symptoms include: anxiety, mood swings, sugar cravings, dizziness, depression, bloating, weight gain and lethargy. An imbalance of prostaglandins which are important hormones are thought to play a major role in the development of PMS. There are ‘good’ prostaglandins which reduce inflammation and look after the health of your reproductive organs and ‘bad’ prostaglandins which increase inflammation and have detrimental effects on your body. Some of the symptoms associated with PMS are thought to be due to the accumulation of ‘bad’ prostaglandins which occurs when you eat too much butter, milk, meat and margarine. A diet rich in our old friends, the essential fatty acids, together with magnesium found in almonds and cashews, promotes good prostaglandins in your body thereby ensuring optimum hormonal health. PMS has been divided into clinical subtypes depending on the predominance of symptoms. Sufferers of; PMS type 'A' have anxiety, mood swings and insomnia. Oestrogen excess and progesterone deficiency are thought to account for this subtype. Further causes of PMS Type 'A' are a sluggish liver which is slow to metabolise oestrogen and vitamin B6 deficiency. PMS type C is characterised by sugar cravings, fatigue and headaches. Low levels of magnesium, and the good prostagiandin, PGE1 favour the development of this subtype. PMS type D sufferers endure depression and mental confusion. PMS type D is associated with a lack of B vitamins and elevated tissue levels of the heavy metal lead. PMS type H is associated with weight gain, breast swelling and abdominal bloating. Food allergy especially to wheat can cause fluid retention and weight gain. Magnesium and vitamin B6 deficiency are also thought to be involved here. Diet Eating plenty of green leafy vegetables, beans, lentils, nuts, seeds and fish would ensure that you have the correct balance of essential fatty acids, good prostaglandins, magnesium and B vitamins. Animal fats and dairy should be kept to a minimum along with refined sugars, caffeine, alcohol and chocolate. Tests Performing a hair mineral analysis would reveal the presence of heavy metal toxicity such as lead and aluminium. Vitamin assays especially for magnesium and vitamin B deficiencies would be extremely important. Food allergy testing and a liver detoxification profile would be indicated for those who suffer from fluid retention or the mood changes associated with PMS. Assessing adrenal exhaustion which is associated with PMS would be necessary for those who are excessively tired premenstrually and struggle to get out of bed in the morning. In those instance where sugar cravings, lethargy and headaches predominate a glucose tolerance test would be indicated. Nutritional supplements and herbal remedies Vitamin A supplements correct faulty oestrogen metabolism while vitamin E promotes the presence of good prostaglandins. Vitamin B, together with a B complex, magnesium and zinc reduce the symptoms of PMS. To improve liver function a combination of inositol, choline and the amino acid methionine should be taken. Progesterone cream applied to the skin for the latter part of the menstrual cycle has been found to be one of the best solutions for PMS symptoms where other measures have failed. Research out of San Diego indicates that some women who suffer from PMS may benefit by taking melatonin, thereby correcting the levels of certain brain chemicals. The herb Vitex agnus castis has a hormone balancing effect while the ancient Chinese herb Dong Quai is considered to be a harmonising tonic. Wild yam extract contains the plant hormone ‘diosgenin’ which is similar in structure to progesterone. This herb has proved effective in treating many of the symptoms of PMS including cramps, irritability and depression. The Well Woman | Acne | Eczema | Premenstrual Syndrome | Depression and Fatigue | The Well Woman Summary