Premenstrual syndrome, or PMS, refers to range of physical and emotional symptoms that occur after a woman's ovulation and typically end with the onset of the menstrual cycle. The most common symptoms of PMS include constipation, headache, food cravings, anger, anxiety, exaggerated mood swings, weight gain and breast tenderness. 5-HTP supplement offers some relief to women suffering from premenstrual syndrome. The supplement should always be taken under the supervision of a health-care practitioner.
About 5-HTP
5-HTP is not present in the food you eat. It must be obtained by eating foods with tryptophan, such as turkey, chicken, brown rice, nuts, fish, milk, cheese, fruits and vegetables. 5-HTP in supplement form is obtained from the seeds of an African plant called Griffonia simplicifoli. In the brain, 5-HTP is converted to serotonin, an important chemical messenger which may have a positive effect on mood, sleep, appetite and weight gain. 5-HTP supplement stabilizes serotonin levels in the brain and can be used for PMS as needed, according to neuropath Dr Ray Sahelian.
Scientific Evidences
5-HTP therapy has not been studied clinically for PMS, but there is promising evidence in the treatment of serotonin-mediated depressive symptoms. A 2006 study published in "Psychiatry Research" found that 5-HTP may be clinically effective in reducing mood symptoms related to premenstrual syndrome. The mood-related symptoms include irritability, depression, crying, oversensitivity and mood swings.
Side Effects
5-HTP is generally available without a prescription. But, people taking 5-HTP may have some side effects, which include nausea, vomiting and nightmares and vivid dreams, according to Dr. Sahelian. The supplement should always be taken under the supervision of a licensed physician.
Precautions
According to MedlinePlus, 5-HTP should not be taken together with anti-depressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, weight loss medications, antibiotics and alcoholic beverages. 5-HTP is possibly unsafe in pregnant women and nursing mothers.
References
- PubMed Health: Premenstrual Syndrome
- Dr. Ray Sahelian: PMS Supplement Treatment, Vitamins, Herbs, Natural Remedy and Alternative Therapy
- University of Maryland Medical Center: 5-HTP
- "Psychiatry Research"; Mood changes correlate to changes in brain serotonin precursor trapping in women with premenstrual dysphoria; Olle Eriksson et. al.; March 2006.
- Dr. Ray Sahelian: 5-HTP
- MedlinePlus: 5-HTP
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