Premenstrual syndrome or PMS is characterized by psychological symptoms such as irritability, tension, anxiety and even depression, as well as physical symptoms such as breast tenderness, headache, bloating and weight gain. Symptoms begin up to 10 days before and often end a few hours after menses begins. Supplements such as vitamin B-6, vitex and calcium may help women suffering from mood symptoms related to premenstrual syndrome.
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B-6 is an essential nutrient in the production of proteins, chemical transmitters in the nervous system and also helps in maintaining hormonal balance.
A clinical study published in the March 1999 issue of the "British Medical Journal," conducted by Katrina M. Wyatt and associates summarized nine published research studies. These studies involved over 900 PMS sufferers and were designed to evaluate the effectiveness of vitamin B-6 in the treatment of PMS. The researchers suggested that vitamin B-6 up to 100 mg daily is likely to benefit individuals suffering from premenstrual syndrome, including the depression associated with this condition.
Vitex
The "British Medical Journal" published in the November 2000 a double-blind placebo controlled study that assessed the benefits of vitex compared to placebo in 178 individuals suffering from premenstrual syndrome. Mood symptoms, anger and irritability were assessed among other common symptoms of PMS. The scientists found that vitex, also known as agnus castus is an effective form of treatment to reduce PMS related symptoms and was also well tolerated in the participants.
Calcium
Calcium is an essential mineral involved in building and maintaining healthy teeth and bones, contraction of the heart muscles and the heart rhythm. Also the release of neurotransmitters in the brain is dependent on calcium.
Thys-Jacobs S and colleagues assessed the benefits of supplementing with 1,000 mg of calcium carbonate for three months in 33 women suffering from premenstrual syndrome. Same participants received dummy pills for the following three months. Researchers concluded that 73 percent of the participants noted fewer symptoms during those months when calcium was prescribed. Thus, using calcium supplementation is an effective therapy for PMS, although further research is needed to evaluate the benefits of calcium as well as its mode of action in treating PMS.
Considerations
According to Merck Manual premenstrual syndrome affects between 20 to 50 percent of women of reproductive age and around 5 percent of them develop a severe form of PMS named premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
Herbs and supplements do not replace conventional treatment, but may help decrease symptoms of PMS. A qualified practitioner should be consulted to find out possible drug interactions and side effects of herbs and supplements.
References
- BMJ: Efficacy of vitamin B-6 in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome:systematic review
- BMJ: Treatment for the premenstrual syndrome with agnus castus fruit extract: prospective, randomised, placebo controlled study
- PubMed: Calcium supplementation in premenstrual syndrome: a randomized crossover trial
- Merck Manuals: Premenstrual Syndrome
