Natural Remedies for PMS
The most common cause of PMS is an imbalance of estrogen and progesterone - usually too much estrogen and insufficient progesterone. However, this does not mean that one has to resort to hormone therapy in order to correct this imbalance.
Then there’s premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), which is a more severe form of PMS characterized by an emphasis on anxiety and depressive symptoms. Previously known as late luteal phase dysphoric disorder (LLPDD), this was renamed by the American Psychiatric Association possibly to de-emphasize a physical condition in favor of targeting consumers looking to mask their symptoms.
Our goal at HealthyFixx is to resolve underlying problems, not just the symptoms. To do this, we will be discussing the balance of zinc to copper and a few other options to fixx this problem naturally.
Zinc & Copper Balance
According to researchers at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, patients with PMS had lower levels of zinc and higher levels of copper during the luteal phase of menstruation in contrast to those women without PMS. It is also recognized that high levels of copper suppress tissue zinc levels in those suffering from PMS during the luteal phase. [1]
Users of copper IUDs (intrauterine devices) should note that PMDD may result from these devices due to increased copper levels.
Zinc affects the binding of progesterone to the endometrium, is a co-factor in the synthesis of GABA, and is necessary for the mobilization of vitamin A from the liver. Zinc has additional beneficial effects in lowering elevated prolactin levels which will be discussed below. [2]
It also helps with menstrual cramps in the abdominal area (primary dysmenorrhea) resulting from mild to debilitating cramping of the uterus. Menstrual cramps are very common and often experienced during the first several days of menstruation.
These cramps are stimulated by strong contractions due to high levels of prostaglandins, which are hormone-like substances that temporarily halt the menstrual flow, and in turn reduce oxygen supply to the uterus.
Zinc prevents this process by inhibiting the production of an inflammatory enzyme called cycylooxygenase (COX-2), which produces prostanoids (i.e., prostaglandins, prostacyclin, thromboxane) that provoke inflammation and pain. Zinc has also been shown to reduce inflammation from inflammatory pathways independent of the COX-2 enzyme.
Zinc appears to improve circulation in the uterus while dampening inflammation, allowing a pain-free menstrual cycle. Taking 50 mg of zinc per day, starting a few days prior to menses, can prevent this pain. It should be noted that an absence of pain from pending menses due to zinc therapy may alarm some users, as they may have the mistaken notion that they are pregnant. [3]
Prolactin & PMS
Elevated levels of the hormone prolactin play an important role in the development of PMS and may indicate low thyroid function or an endocrine disorder. Some women experience elevated levels of prolactin during PMS, [4] while others simply become more sensitive to normal levels. The resulting symptoms include abdominal cramping, weight gain, and breast tenderness.
Various clinical investigations and double blind trials have shown that preparations containing chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus) fruit extract are useful in reducing increased blood prolactin levels and are part of an effective treatment for women suffering from PMS. [5]
Many women have undiagnosed low thyroid function, which maybe a cause of elevated prolactin levels. Our thyroid plan has instructions to fixx this.
Chasteberry is Inexpensive and Effective
Chasteberry is an effective PMS treatment that works by normalizing prolactin levels while boosting levels of the "feel good" neurotransmitter dopamine. This particular advantage also helps with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
In a recent study evaluating patients suffering from PMDD, chasteberry was compared to the anti-depressant drug, Prozac. Chasteberry compared favorably with Prozac, providing slightly more relief to physiological symptoms and slightly less to psychological ones. [6], [7]
Chasteberry is the most investigated natural remedy for PMS. Out of four trials, approximating 500 women, it was reported to consistently alleviate PMS better than placebo.
Take 400 mg of chasteberry two to three times daily for three months. A single 400 mg dose per day can be taken as maintenance thereafter. Allow up to three months for optimal results.
Krill Oil for PMS & Menstrual Pain
One last natural fixx is krill oil, a source of DHA that is often compared to fish oil but with superior results.
In a double-blind, randomized clinical trial, krill oil was studied against omega-3 fish oil in the management of PMS and dysmenorrhea (menstrual pain). 70 patients were evaluated at 45 and 90 days, where it was found that the group receiving krill oil took fewer pain killers than those receiving fish oil. Krill oil was found to significantly reduce menstrual pain and the emotional symptoms of PMS. [8]
Begin taking 1g of krill oil per day, raising it to 2g/day if the results are unsatisfactory.
References
[1]. Fertil Steril. 62(2):313-320, 1994.
[2]. Alternative Medicine Review. 2(1):12-25, 1997.
[3]. Med Hypotheses. 2007;69(2):297-301.
[4]. O’Brian, P.M., Symonds, E.M., Prolactin Levels in the Premenstrual Syndrome,” British Journal Obstetrics and Gynecology, 89, 1982, 306-8
[5]. Psychosom Obstet Gynaecol. 2011 Mar;32(1):42-51.
[6]. Minerva Ginecol. 2011 Jun;63(3):237-45.
[7]. Hum Psychopharmacol. 2003 Apr;18(3):191-5.
[8]. Altern Med Rev. 2003 May;8(2):171-9.
The information presented is not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure disease. Please speak with your doctor before starting any diet, exercise, or supplement program.
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