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PMS: Causes, Symptoms and Natural Approaches, Part 2 by Stephen Holt, MD

What Causes PMS?
It is safe to say that there is no simple, single cause of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) that can be cured by any specific medical intervention. PMS involves a complex interplay of problems, including hormonal balance, body metabolism, emotional factors and disruptions of the "mind-body connection." Table 1A balanced diet, low in simple sugars, low in saturated fat, high in fiber, moderate in protein (vegetable, fish and meat protein) enriched with omega-3 fatty acids and high in fruit and vegetables covers some of the main hypotheses concerning the causes of PMS.

SUGGESTED CAUSE

COMMENT
Hormonal Problems Various studies have identified hormone imbalances in women with PMS, but there are no consistent changes that permit a clear diagnosis. High levels of estrogen and low levels of progesterone have been associated with PMS. Progesterone supplementation is a popular intervention, and it may be effective in some women with PMS.
Water Retention Excessive salt and water retention are common in PMS, but they may be a result rather than a cause of PMS itself.
Body Toxins Excessive salt and water retention are common in PMS, but they may be a result rather than a cause of PMS itself.
Nutrient Deficiencies Deficiency of vitamin B-complex has been linked to mood changes and depression in women with PMS or those taking a progesterone hormone supplement. Excessive sugar intake and deficiency of omega-3 fatty acids have been variably implicated as a cause of PMS. For example, cramps may be caused by excess production of certain hormone-like substances, which may be caused by deficiencies or imbalances in the dietary intake of essential fatty acids.
Hypoglycemia Episodes of low blood sugar may occur in women with PMS and specific studies have shown that hypoglycemia may tend to occur more often in the premenstrual phase of the cycle. Alterations in glucose metabolism due to insulin resistance and excess insulin secretions are key factors in the metabolic Syndrome X, which is strongly associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and PMS.
Serotonin Balance Serotonin is an important factor in central nervous system and other body functions. Deficiencies in serotonin have been described in women with PMS. This has led to recommendations to support natural serotonin levels in the body with the use of supplements such as 5-HTP.
Table 1: Potential causes of PMS and speculation on their known contributions.

First-Line Options for PMS
The most obvious approaches to this common condition involve simple, gentle and natural therapies and remedies. Table 2 summarizes natural and conventional approaches for the management of PMS. In the absence of serious medical emergencies and/or disease, the natural approach should be tried first.

Natural Approaches Conventional Medical Approaches
Moderation of salt intake
 Tranquilizers
Restriction of simple sugars in diet
 Spironolactone
Avoidance of smoking, alcohol, caffeine
 Antidepressants
  Sleeping tablets
Selected dietary supplements (ginkgo biloba, green tea, evening primrose oil, flaxseed, chasteberry, etc.) Surgery
Behavior modification Lithium  
Exercise Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)  
Stress reduction L-Dopa  
Restoration of normal sleep patterns Pain killers  
  Birth-control pills  
  Hormone supplements  
  Progesterone  
  Thyroid supplements  
  Diuretics  
 
 
 

First-Line Options for PMS
The most obvious approaches to this common condition involve simple, gentle and natural therapies and remedies. Table 2 summarizes natural and conventional approaches for the management of PMS. In the absence of serious medical emergencies and/or disease, the natural approach should be tried first.

 

As discussed in part 1 of this newsletter, every woman experiences different symptoms with varying degrees of severity. Because of this, trial and error of the natural approaches and lifestyle changes listed above may be the best option for soothing the discomforts associated with PMS.

Be Healthy!
Dr. Stephen Holt, M.D.


 
This article was published on Friday 30 December, 2011.
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