PMS: Premenstrual Syndrome, diagnosis, symptoms, causes, treatments – holistic approach to problem

PMS – diagnosis, symptoms, causes, treatments holistic approach to problem

 

Most of what's written in this article is entirely suitable for a person go through self-healing themselves, but it may be a good idea to see herbalist so he can guide you on to a safe and strong treatment programme.

 

Women clearly experience PMS in distinctly different ways and different approaches are needed according to the woman herself, as well as the kinds of symptoms she is suffering from. Below types of PMS.

 

Premenstrual syndrome-A - anxiety, mood changes, nervous tension, irritability,

Premenstrual syndrome-C – cravings (increased appetite), carbohydrates, headaches, fatigue, dizziness, heart pounding

Premenstrual syndrome-D - depression, crying, insomnia, confusion, forgetfulness,

Premenstrual syndrome-H - hyper-hydration (fluid retention), swelling, breast tenderness, weight gain, abdominal bloating

Premenstrual syndrome-P - painful periods, reduced pain threshold, aches and pains

Premenstrual syndrome-A (PMS-A)

This type of premenstrual syndrome is characterised by nervous tension, irritability, mood swings,  and anxiety. Research shows it appears to be caused by an imbalance of oestrogen and progesterone, with a relative excess of oestrogen and a relative deficiency of progesterone. This imbalance is contributed to by inadequate liver clearance of oestrogens and/or a low level of progesterone production. Although we cannot run clinical test to identify PMS, Herbalist have come a long way in understanding the ‘physicality’ of the problem and it is clear that this is a problem that can at least be greatly helped if not completely cured with the right approach. Often, the best herb to start with for many women suffering from PMS-A is Vitex agnus-castus.

 

Premenstrual syndrome-C (PMS-C)

The ‘C’ after PMS stands for ‘carbohydrate craving’. This type of premenstrual syndrome (PMS-C) is characterised by such symptoms as headache, cravings for sweets, increased appetite, heart pounding, fatigue, dizziness or fainting.

Glucose tolerance tests performed on PMS-C patients during the 5-10 days before their period showed a flattening of the early part of the curve that indicated they were secreting excessive amounts of insulin in response to sugar consumption. The same tests performed on the same groups of women at different times of the month gave normal glucose tolerance results. This increased binding capacity for insulin appears to be caused by oestrogen levels that are too high in relation to progesterone and again, this can be caused or contributed to by a faulty liver clearance of oestrogen. The ratio of oestrogen to progesterone is a critical factor in PMS-C; fortunately, it is something we can favourably alter.

It is rare to see PMS-C by itself. Most often it will be found along with some degree of PMS-A. The treatment for PMS-C is very similar to that which is used for PMS-A but there is an obvious emphasis on regulating carbohydrate metabolism. If a woman is prone to carrying excess weight around her middle, and/or is prone to mildly elevated blood pressure and cholesterol levels then she should carefully check to see whether she has the metabolic syndrome. Correcting this will not only help the PMS but many other associated problems

 

Premenstrual syndrome-D (PMS-D)

This type of premenstrual syndrome (PMS-D) is characterised by depression, forgetfulness, crying, confusion and insomnia. A woman may not have all these symptoms at once but if this seems to be the dominant pattern, then it will have an important bearing on the choice of treatment that will best help.

The ‘D’ after PMS stands for depression and research has shown that women who suffer from PMS-D have low levels of certain key neurotransmitters in their central nervous systems. Symptoms of PMS-D are closely connected to disturbed or altered oestrogen metabolism. This makes it quite different to other forms of PMS where in general the oestrogen levels are simply too high. To improve oestrogen metabolism in PMS-D, along with certain dietary suggestions as outlined further below, it may be of much help to use the herb Black Cohosh.

Further to this, and certainly if there are ongoing symptoms during the month, Herbalism has many strong and certain ways to help with depression.

 

Premenstrual syndrome-H (PMS-H)

This type of premenstrual syndrome (PMS-H) is characterised by weight gain (often more than a kilo), swelling of the face, hands and ankles, breast tenderness and congestion and abdominal bloating or discomfort. The ‘H’ stands for ‘hyper-hydration’. Elevated levels of the hormone aldosterone cause the retention of fluids in PMS-H. It appears that what causes aldosterone to rise excessively is a hormone imbalance between oestrogen and progesterone where oestrogen is too high, and progesterone is too low in the premenstrual phase.

Women who suffer from PMS-H may be 'salt-sensitive' and need to reduce or even avoid added salt in the diet. During the premenstrual phase, they can react strongly to salt with a diminished ability of the kidneys to maintain proper fluid volume within the body. This can cause high blood pressure as well as the retention of fluids.  

Stress also causes aldosterone to rise but it can be difficult to tell cause from effect as of course, PMS itself creates its own stress. Liver function plays an important part in PMS-H, not only does it regulate aldosterone, but it also removes excess oestrogen from circulation.

Generally, the best treatments for PMS-H are like those used for other types of PMS and the main priority is still to return the cycle of hormonal changes into balance. That said, it is also likely that a woman with PMS-H needs to help improve her body's kidney function and fluid balance, something that the herb Juniper is particularly good at.

 

Premenstrual syndrome-P (PMS-P)

PMS-P means P for pain and is characterised by an increased sensitivity to pain that is believed to be associated with an imbalance of cellular hormones called prostaglandins. The main symptoms of PMS-P include aches and pains, a reduced pain threshold and dysmenorrhoea (a painful period).

Research has shown that the principal causes behind PMS-P are again an imbalance of the oestrogen to progesterone ratio, with oestrogen levels becoming too elevated and progesterone levels becoming too low.

There are several herbs that may be especially helpful here. Feverfew has been shown to markedly reduce the prostaglandins that are associated to the increased sensitivity to pain. Also, two herbs already mentioned, Vitex and Black Cohosh, can markedly benefit the oestrogen-progesterone ratio and have balancing effects on the hormonal cycle in general.

 

 

Holistic approach will include diet modification, lifestyle and use herbs to address imbalances:

Diet:

A diet rich in complex carbohydrates, vegetables, fruit, nuts, seeds, fish, legumes and fermented foods including yogurt, to aid and maintain a healthy blood sugar, observing regular mealtimes.

PMS risk is associated with fast food consumption and irregular breakfasts

Reduce caffeine if symptoms of anxiety are present.

Reduce alcohol intake (a moderate association with PMS risk)

Avoid environmental oestrogens (pesticides on food, plastics like clingwrap, air fresheners and cosmetics): eat organic and use non-industrial house-hold products.

Add to your diet plant foods for oestrogen excess or deficiency: nuts, seeds and legumes, such as soy foods.

Tryptophan-rich foods to support serotonin and melatonin production: nuts, seeds, tofu, beans, lentils and eggs, cheese, red meat, chicken, turkey, fish, oats

Support healthy gut lora: probiotics, lactofermented vegetables, beans, pulses and root vegetables to establish normal intestinal flora. Support using bitter and perhaps warming, carminative herbs.

 

Lifestyle:

Exercise - reduces effect of the stress.

Aerobic exercise - improves most premenstrual symptoms, increase haemoglobin, haematocrit and red cell count, also decrease level of oestradiol, prolactin and progesterone. Resulting in improvements of impaired concentration, fatigue and decreased confusion.

Relaxation – find yourself relaxing hobby.

 

Herbal remedies which will help with PMS:

Pain management - magnesium, Feverfew

Inflammation - German Chamomile, Ginger, Liquorice, Turmeric, Black cohosh ….

Mastalgia - Chaste berry, Chinese Paeonia and Liquorice, Butcher's-broom, Dandelion leaf

Fluid retention - Chaste berry, Ginkgo, Dandelion leaf

Migraines - avoid food which triggers migraines, Chaste berry, Ginkgo, Feverfew, Black cohosh (it may give frontal headache in large doses)

Improve absorption of nutrients - Wormwood, Dandelion root, Yarrow, German Chamomile

Encourage healthy gut flora - Wormwood, Barberry, Garlic, other bitters and Slippery Elm

Reduce stress, insomnia, address nervous system - St John`s Wort, Fennel, Skullcap, lemon balm, Valerian, Verbena, Lavender, German Chamomile

Address hormonal imbalance - Chaste berry, Liquorice, Black cohosh and Chinese Paeony combination; zinc, vit B6,  Ashwagandha, Rhodiola, Schisandra, Damiana, Panax Ginseng, Siberian Ginseng, Black Cumin and Oat straw

Constipation if present – (lack of progesterone is often actually a excess of oestrogen, because of reabsorption of metabolites) – Dandelion root, Flaxseed and Curly Dock

Adaptogens - Panax Ginseng, Siberian Ginseng, Ashwagandha, 

 

Perimenopausal PMS:

Related to low level of oestrogen (seen also after childbirth and menarche)

Chaste berry, Chinese Paeonia and liquorice when still ovulating.

Steroidal saponins like Shatavari, Wild yam

Isoflavonoids like Red clover, flaxseeds, soya

Triterpenoid saponins like Black cohosh

And adaptogens needed to adapt body to new level of hormones.

 

 

 

Here is example of treatment, which can be run as self healing 

Vitex, Black Cohosh and Feverfew will be here respectively utilised, in those treatments either alone or paired:

Vitex agnus castus

Chaste berry is for many women, a great hormonal balancer and can form the cornerstone of many treatment programs for PMS-A, PMS-C, PMS-H and possibly PMS-P. Vitex has been extensively proven in numerous studies to benefit the oestrogen-progesterone ratio and has wide ranging effects on the hormonal cycle generally. It is a potent herb that needs to be taken with care, respect and understanding.

 

Black Cohosh

Black Cohosh is the key healing herb for many women who suffer from PMS-D and possibly PMS-P. Black Cohosh has been the subject of numerous research papers that show how it can remedy disturbed oestrogen metabolism. For example, a recent German study with 135 women suffering from severe PMS showed it greatly reduced symptoms of depression, anxiety, tension and mood swings.

 

Feverfew

Feverfew, although most thought of as a migraine herb, can be of particular benefit with PMS-P as it can reduce prostaglandins that are associated with the pain and cramping

 

 

Liver Cleansing

Research shows that many symptoms of PMS are caused by imbalances of oestrogen and progesterone and that liver health is one of the key factors that determine how bad the PMS is. If you have signs of poor liver health such as:

• yellowing in the whites of the eyes
• poor tolerance to fatty foods or alcohol
• a discoloured coating on the back of the tongue
• poor appetite in the morning and general irritability

Cleansing tea recipe (note: make sure you get herbs genuine, good quality and purity from supplier who comply with GMP)

decoction blend - 100g Burdock root, 70g Barberry root/bark,100g Dandelion root, 30g Liquorice. Ground all roots in coffee grinder, Mix them well.

Infusion blend - Birch leaf 30gms, Dandelion leaf 30gms, Lemon Balm 60gms,Cleavers 30gms, Red Clover leaf/flower 50gms, Juniper berry 100gms, in total 300g of herbs. Mix them well.

For potent cleansing action, you will need to make decoction first and then infuse herbs. Pour one large cup of freshly water over 3 very heaped teaspoons of the root blend add splash of vinegar to improve berberine extraction, bring to boil and simmer for 15 minutes. After simmering is done add 3 heaped teaspoons of infusion blend, cover and steep for a another 10-12 minutes.

Drink one or 2 cups during the day, try at morning and before dinner, not as last thing at the day.

This tea will strongly activate cleansing in your body and each day you use it your whole system is going to have a significant increase in how it flushes out its soluble wastes.

What this means is that if you don’t drink enough additional fluids during this stage of the treatment then you will be likely to feel some combination of irritability or physical achiness. Therefore, it is important that, once you get this process started, you regularly rehydrate and the way to be sure you are doing this sufficiently is to keep a check that you are going to pass a good amount of urine at a minimum of once every two hours. Going to the toilet more than once an hour is an unnecessary level of strain on the kidneys, and you should ease back your additional fluids if this is happening to you. Best  is to have a good flow of urine coming through every 1 to 2 hours.

 

Avoid hypoglycaemia

When blood sugar levels are low the ability of progesterone to be transported into the cells is also impaired. At the other end of the scale, a high sugar intake has been shown to both increase oestrogen levels as well as impair the metabolism of oestrogen.

One of the best ways to prevent hypoglycaemia is to have proteins in the breakfast, e.g. eggs but also nuts, seeds, cheese or yoghurt.

Phyto-oestrogens

Phtyo-oestrogen rich foods contain natural oestrogen-like substances that compete with the body's own oestrogen hormone when it is too high. There have been numerous well-designed studies showing how a diet rich in phyto-oestrogens benefits many aspects of reproductive health and cultures that traditionally eat large amounts of these foods have markedly lower rates of PMS

Soya bean, Chick pea, Cherry, Alfalfa, Parsley, Liquorice, Wholegrains, Mung beans, Kidney been, Olives, Oats, Barley, Rye, Sesame seed, Corn, Rice, Flaxseed, Legumes, Buckwheat, Garlic, Fennel, Carrot, beetroot, Plum, Aniseed, Rhubarb, Cabbage.

 

Magnesium rich foods

Many symptoms of PMS are made worse by inadequate levels of magnesium. When oestrogen levels are high, excess calcium is retained in the body leading to a relative imbalance of magnesium. Curse of a magnesium supplement may be a good idea, same will be eating foods rich in magnesium.

 

Fibre

Eating plenty of fibre, which basically means eating plenty of fruit and vegetables, is widely recommended for general health. Eating plenty of fibre, which basically means eating plenty of fruit and vegetables, is widely recommended for general health.

In terms of PMS, women eating a high fibre diet have been shown to excrete up to 2 to 3 times more oestrogen and have 50% lower levels of free oestrogen in their blood than those on a low fibre diet.

 

Relax and exercise

 

Adaptogens and nervine tonics for PMS-D and PMS-A.

 

That is the base and it can be modified as you progress. Self healing is not that difficult as everyone thinks.

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