PMS is nervous tension, irritability, weight gain, fluid buildup, headache and sore breasts that occur each month in the days just before the start of menstruation. There are several ideas on the cause for the condition. They include poor eating, stress, and hormones getting out of balance.
Clinical features
It is estimated that 50% of the pre-menopausal menstruating female population experiences premenstrual syndrome. The pre-menstrual syndrome is a recurrent (monthly) disorder characterized by physical and emotional upsets for some days before the onset of menstruation. PMS symptoms are: fluid retention, distended stomach, tender breasts, weight gain, constipation, insomnia, headaches and mood swings. In an attempt to bring some order to the clinically and metabolically confusing picture of PMS, Dr. Guy Abraham has subdivided PMS into four distinct subgroups according to specific symptoms and hormonal patterns.
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Type |
Description |
Causes |
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PMS-A (Anxiety)
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Symptoms of nervous tension, anxiety mood swings and irritability characterize this group. Biochemically this groups shows a high estrogen to progesterone ratio in the luteal phase. |
Could be related to excess milk and animal fats. Also nervous excitability.
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PMS-C (Craving)
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This group shows increased appetite, sweet cravings, headaches, fatigue, dizziness, or fainting and heart pounding. |
Low blood sugar, low prostaglandins
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PMS-D (Depression)
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Depression, crying, forgetfulness, confusion and insomnia may characterize this group. |
High progresterone, low estrogen, high androgens. Also appears to be higher levels of lead in the body. |
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PMS-H (Hyper-hydration)
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Fluid retention, weight gain, swelling of extremities, breast tenderness and abdominal bloating characterize this group. |
These symptoms are attributed to increased retention of sodium in the body. |
Aetiology
Imbalance in the hormones estrogen and progesterone. This may only be to a subtle degree, but it is enough to produce PMS. It is this deficiency of female hormones that is the basic cause of all the physical and mental symptoms associated with PMS.
The secretion of estrogen and progesterone is under the control of the pituitary gland. The pituitary is influenced by the hypothalamus which responds to stress and other psychological disturbances. This helps explain why PMS can vary from month to month.
According to Abraham, PMS sufferers consume 62% more refined carbohydrates, 275% more refined sugar, 70% more dairy products, 78% more sodium, 53% less iron, 77% less manganese and 52% less zinc. PMS patients given a multivitamin and mineral supplement containing high doses of magnesium and pyriodixine in an uncontrolled study showed a 70% reduction in premenstrual symptoms.
Aromatherapy Treatment
Various essential oils and aromatherapy techniques are very successful in reducing the severity of PMS and sometimes overcoming it, though for maximum benefit it is important to combine aromatherapy with a nutritional approach. Click here to buy Lighten Up for PMS Relief
Other Treatments
- Evidence suggests that many of the symptoms of PMS are related to dietary imbalances and nutritional deficiencies. Over consumption of refined sugar, salt, animal fat, and dairy products may contribute to this variable symptom complex, whereas foods rich in linoleic acid such as cold pressed vegetable oils and seeds may be beneficial.
- Increase green leafy vegetable intake, except for the brassica family of foods (cabbage, brussels sprouts and cauliflower).
- Remove all refined starches, processed foods and additives from diet.
- Eat foods rich in vitamin B, particularly vitamin B6. Whole grains and meat are rich sources of vitamin B6. Studies have shown that vitamin B6 helps reduce the amount of circulating estrogen and elevates progesterone.
- Suffers should avoid tea, coffee, and alcohol and they should never resort to diuretics to banish excess fluid-related weight.
- The Chinese herb dong quai has been found to relieve PMS symptoms.
Metaphysical Cause
Allowing confusion to reign. Giving power to outside influences. Rejection of the feminine processes. Inability to speak one’s mind, uncontrolled emotions.
Click here to buy Lighten Up for PMS Relief
K
athleen Flanagan, CEO and Founder of Awakening Spirit, Aromatherapist, Sound Therapist, Esthetician and Author.