PMS notes

Entry for August 01, 2008 Premenstrual Syndrome notes, nonfiction

The following are notes on Premenstrual Syndrome, also known as PMS. Take it for what it's worth, and as with anything you read on the net, please consult a doctor in real life if you have questions.

General Considerations

PMS covers a broad range of symptons that occur clinically and can involve amost every organ system.It affects an estimated 10-80% of menstruating women in the US.Symptoms begin after ovulation, peak prior to menstruation and stop/subside after mense begins.Some women report symptoms from the onset of puberty. The majority develop it in later years following following the alterations of the hormonal cycle-after stopping birth control pills or following pregnancy.

It can be loosely classified into four PMT (premenstrual type) groups: PMT-Anxiety, PMT-Craving, PMT-Depression, PMT-Hyperhydration, and a person may overlap categories.

Eitiology (refers to the cause or causes of the problem) includes the following:

Unknown

Alterations of normal estrogen and progesterone patterns during the menstrual cycle- increased estrogen levels and decreased progesterone levels. Increased estrogen levels stimulate the renin-angiotensin system, which increases aldosterone production, which promotes sodium and water retention.

Alterations in systemic levels of prostaglandin type E1 and E2. Increased E2 leads to inflammation, decreased E1 decreases anti inflammatory capability. This results in more pain and swelling.

Vitamin and mineral deficiencies. The Most common problem is with magnesium and vitamin B6. Dopamine functions as an aldosterone antagonist (meaning it works against the aldosterone), and dopamine production relies on vitamin B6 and magnesium for cofactors.

Hypothyroidism, which causes a decrease in the livers ability to metabolize estrogen.


Liver malfunction. It needs vitamin B6 and magnesium.

Nutritional habits, slow gut transit time, chronic constitpation.

Stress levels.


Possible 'risk' factors:

Over 30
Parous
Stress
Poor nutrition/eating habits
Lack of exercise
Intolerance to oral contraceptives
Overweight



Signs and Symptoms

PMT-A. Most likely due to greatly increased estrogen levels, and decreased progesterone levels.

Nervous tension
Mood swings
Irritability
Anxiety
Insomnia

PMT-C. Theory is that sugar baseline has increased.

Headache
Craving for sweets
Increased appetite
Heart pounding
Dizziness/fainting
Fatigue

PMT-D. Theory is that there is an altered progesterone level, because it helps to serve as a CNS regulator.

Depression
Forgetfulness
Crying
Confusion

PMT-H. Due to increased aldosterone levels. The inhibiting pathway needs vitamin B6 and magnesium.

Weight gain
Swelling of extremities
Breast tenderness
Abdominal bloating


Diagnosis

See a doc, and rule out serious causes, such as tumors, fibroids, and endometriosis (Endometriosis is a common medical condition characterized by growth beyond or outside the uterus of tissue resembling endometrium, the tissue that normally lines the uterus.Affecting an estimated 89 million women of reproductive age (those who have yet to become pregnant) around the world, endometriosis occurs in one in every five women.)

Have your hormone levels checked (specificaly check for hypothyroid, but also look for lowered but 'normal' levels.

A vitamin/mineral assesment

Daily record of symptoms for two or three months


Treatment considerations

Vitamin B6, up to 500 mg daily for 3 months

Magnesium, 400 mg daily

Avoid/limit red meats

Avoid/limit egg yolks

Avoid/limit dairy products

Avoid/limit fried foods

Avoid/limit refined sugars- it causes increased excretion of Vitamin B6

Avoid/limit alcohol

Avoid/limit caffeine

Avoid/limit saltMuscle therapy

Chiropractic adjustments (primarily to decrease sympathetic tone).

Neurolymphatics

Primrose oil, 500 mg three times a day.

Needs zinc, biotin, vitamin C, B6, and magnesium.

Red raspberry tea

Vitamin E

Regular excercise

Reassurance that she is not crazy

Progesterone cream, applied to wrists, behind ears, and labia

Green leafy veggies

Best of luckAngie