PRE-MENSTRUAL SYNDROME (PMS)

Pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) refers to a group related to the menstrual cycle. It can occur in a week or two weeks before your period. The symptoms usually go away after your period starts. PMS may interfere with your normal activities at home, school or work.

Factors causing PMS:

A magnesium deficiency is associated with depression, pre-menstrual blood sugar instability and low levels of dopamine as well as heightened aldosterone production and fluid retention. Studies have shown that magnesium levels actually fluctuate wildly in PMS sufferers. There is a wealth of scientific evidence backing the use magnesium for treating PMS. The mineral has been found to improve mood swings, irritability, depression, fluid retention as well as aches and pains.Mg is best together taken with calcium and vitamin-D3 for better absorption.

The causes of PMS are not yet clear, some women may be more sensitive than others to changing hormone levels during the menstrual cycle. Stress does not seem to cause PMS, but may make it worse. PMS can affect menstruating women of any age. The common symptoms of PMS are:

• Breast swelling and tenderness
• Fatigue and trouble sleeping
• Upset stomach, bloating, constipation and diarrhea
• Headache
• Appetite changes or food carvings
• Joint or muscle pain
• Tension, Irritability, Mood wings, or crying spells
• Anxiety or depression
• Trouble concentrating or remembering
• Back aches and tiredness

Natural Treatments:

• Adopt a healthier life style
• Exercise regularly
• Get enough sleep
• Choose healthy foods
• Don't smoke
• Avoid excess of salt, sugary foods, caffeine and alcohol especially when you're having PMS
• Get enough of vitamins and minerals, a calcium supplement with vitamin-D 
• And find ways to manage stress in your life

Medical Treatments:

• The EVENING PRIMROSE OIL (Oenothera biennis) is highly regarded for the therapeutic properties of its nutritious oil that is rich in essential fatty acids. it has been found that PMS is linked to an essential fatty acids (EFAs) deficiency. Sufferers of this condition usually have adequate levels of the Omega-6 EFA, namely the linoleic acid (LA) but very low levels of  the Gamma-Linolenic acid (GLA) metabolite, which is important for good health.

Mechanism of Action:

In the body, LA needs to be converted to GLA in order to be fully utilized. However, this conversion is slowed down by many factors such as poor eating habits, ageing, stress, alcohol, high cholesterol, viral infections, saturated and trans fats. The administration of GLA is therefore of value to  provide sufficient amounts of GLA and further metabolites, thus bypassing the conversion process.

The use of Evening Primrose Oil (EPO) for treating PMS is well documented. Results from various studies done on Efamol evening Primrose Oil and women with PMS have shown that the oil is effective for improving the symptoms of PMS specially breast tenderness, pain and lumpiness as well as depression.

Choose an Evening Primrose Oil product that is rich in Omega-6 EFA and delivers 12-14% of GLA. A regular intake of EPO can not only ease menstruation problems, but also those relating to acne, atopic aczema, diabetic neuropathy and psoriasis.