Naturopathic Medicine for Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Premenstrual syndrome, or PMS, is caused by a hormonal imbalance between estrogen and progesterone. It is a group of symptoms that occurs in women in the two weeks before their menstrual period, and can include headache, bloating, cramps, fatigue, nausea, and other unpleasant symptoms. Naturopathic medicine for premenstrual syndrome (PMS) aims to return the body’s hormone levels to a balanced state and to prevent future occurrences of PMS symptoms naturally—without using chemicals and synthetic hormones. Unlike conventional hormonal treatments, naturopathic treatments such as herbal remedies and diet are noninvasive and produce few to no side effects.
Careful Attention to Diet Relieves Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Addressing dietary deficiencies is extremely important in relieving premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Certain foods should be avoided to relieve the unpleasant symptoms of PMS. Dairy and animal fat contribute to PMS symptoms. Consuming animal products, especially red meat and eggs treated with artificial hormones and antibiotics, increases estrogen levels, which compounds the problem of PMS. Caffeine from coffee, tea, cola, energy drinks, and even chocolate should be avoided.
For general good health and to prevent future occurrences of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), avoid refined and overly processed foods, as well as foods containing preservatives and artificial colors. It is vital to avoid refined carbohydrates, including white sugar and bleached white flour, because they tend to induce rapid fluctuations in blood sugar levels. Avoid plant foods grown using pesticides and animal products produced using artificial hormones and antibiotics.
Diet “do’s” include eating organic fruits, vegetables, and meats. Do consume whole grains and complex carbohydrates; and do eat several smaller meals spread out during the day to help regulate blood sugar. Working with a Naturopathic Doctor can help to identify deficiencies in your diet and to develop a corrective diet plan.
Herbal Treatments and Supplements for Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Herbal supplements are important as many plants contain versions of estrogen (called phytoestrogens) and progesterone that help balance hormones.
Evening primrose oil is a recognized treatment in Britain for depression and bloating related to premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Evening primrose contains essential fatty acids, called gamma-linolenic acids (GLA), which make prostaglandins that in turn regulate blood flow, brain function, and gastrointestinal activity. Evening primrose also contains bioflavonoids, which increase circulation; and tryptophan, a mood enhancer and antidepressant.
Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) is a natural precursor to estrogen and works by binding to serotonin receptors. A popular Native American treatment, black cohosh is useful in treating premenstrual and menopausal symptoms.
Dong Quai (Dang Gui or Angelica sinensis) is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine that imitates estrogen and progesterone action, increasing circulation and promoting hormonal balance. Dong quai eases cramping, improves energy levels, and regulates menstrual cycles. For maximum effectiveness, take a combination of black cohosh and dong quai.
Vitamin B6, magnesium, and zinc are vitamins and minerals that have been shown to help some women with breast tenderness. Vitamin B6 supports the adrenal glands and affects the neurotransmitter serotonin, a mood-elevating hormone. Magnesium affects the metabolism of prostaglandins, supports serotonin production, and helps relax tense muscles.
Chasteberry (Vitex agnus castus), is a European remedy to help breast pain, depression, constipation, and headache. Chasteberry, which acts on the pituitary gland, balances hormonal fluctuations and helps to restore normal estrogen and progesterone levels. Use over several cycles to allow hormonal levels to normalize.
Wild yam (Dioscorea villosa) contains a phytoestrogen called diosgenin that increases progesterone levels, which is important for creating a balance with estrogen. Wild yam relaxes muscles, reduces cramping, and relieves bloating.
Fish oilsupplements help to balance essential fatty acids and reduce inflammation and pain. Since an imbalance of chemicals called eicosanoids contributes to premenstrual syndrome (PMS), fish oil, with its eicosapentaenoic acid derived from omega-3 fatty acids, helps to address this imbalance. Use fish oil throughout the menstrual cycle rather than just taking it when PMS symptoms occur.
Stress increases PMS symptoms. It increases the levels of the stress hormone, cortisol, which impairs progesterone activity and allows estrogen levels to rise. This imbalance causes premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Stress also affects blood sugar levels. Get plenty of regular exercise to increase energy levels, feel healthy, and relieve irritability.
Other things you can do: Store food and water in glass containers, not plastic. Avoid personal care products made with petroleum, such as baby oil and lipstick.
Consider reviewing your use of these supplements with your Naturopathic Doctor to help choose the best combination to manage premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
What Is Naturopathy?
Illness results from imbalances in the body and a failure of body functions to work at optimum levels. Naturopathic medicine treats not just the symptoms of the ailment but aims to find and eliminate the cause. In this way, it returns the body to a state of balance and stimulates its healing mechanisms through natural means, including diet, exercise, hydration, more restful sleep, yoga, and herbal remedies.
What Causes Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)?
Premenstrual syndrome is a complex set of symptoms that affects a third of women between the ages of 25 and 40 and occurs one to two weeks before onset of menstruation. Symptoms are characterized by cramps, mood swings, bloating and weight gain, outbreak of acne, constipation, joint pain, headaches, fatigue, tender breasts, decreased libido, and emotional feelings such as depression or crying.
The cause of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is an imbalance of female hormones. As levels of progesterone decrease during the monthly cycle, estrogen levels dominate. Low levels of progesterone lead to cramps and migraine headaches. This imbalance continues through perimenopause and menopause. Other factors contributing to PMS are low thyroid function, hypoglycemia, and an imbalance of serotonin and endorphin levels.
Consuming animal products made with synthetic hormones can exacerbate PMS symptoms. Exposure to environmental contaminants is also harmful. Xenoestrogens are toxic chemicals that imitate hormones. They are found in non-organic beef and chicken, carpeting, polycarbonate plastics (used for water bottles), detergents, agricultural run-off, herbicides, industrial wastes, car exhaust, and even shampoos.