You may have become accustomed to the uncomfortable symptoms that can accompany your monthly period, but according to clinical data, a mineral deficiency may be to blame. Women who experience uncomfortable symptoms associated with their periods demonstrate lower levels of magnesium than those who do not. Because of this, magnesium may help relieve these symptoms. Though magnesium is an important nutrient, it is important to consult your doctor before taking it.
PMS
Not all women experience premenstrual syndrome, or PMS, which is a set of symptoms that start one to two weeks before your period, according to Medline Plus. However, you may experience bloating, headaches, food cravings and breast tenderness if you are part of the 75 percent of women who do experience PMS. It occurs more common if you are in your 20s to early 40s, and the exact cause has not been identified, but changes in hormone levels may play a role, according to the National Institutes of Health. T
Magnesium
All organs in your body require the mineral magnesium. It is particularly important to your muscles, heart and kidneys. Magnesium helps regulate vitamin D, calcium, potassium, copper and zinc, among its many functions. Most people in the United States do not consume enough magnesium-containing foods, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. You can get it in your diet from green leafy vegetables, whole grains and nuts. Magnesium deficiency symptoms include irritability, anxiety and insomnia.
Magnesium for PMS
A pilot study published in a 2007 issue of the journal "Clinical Drug Investigation," examined the safety and efficacy of 250 mg of modified-release magnesium tablets for the treatment of PMS. After three months of assessment in women ages 18 to 45 suffering from PMS, the study concluded that modified-release magnesium is effective at reducing PMS symptoms. Though this is a preliminary study, it shows promise for a nutritional approach to relieving PMS.
Precautions
Dietary magnesium is considered safe; however, supplements have the potential to cause side effects and interact with your medications. The most common side effects are upset stomach. You may also experience diarrhea. Because magnesium competes with calcium, it is important to consult your doctor before taking magnesium, in order to decrease your risk of magnesium-induced calcium deficiency. Magnesium can interact with several types of medications, including antibiotics, diuretics and hormone-replacement drugs. Speak to your doctor about possible interactions if you are currently prescribed medication.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Magnesium; Steven D. Ehrlich; June 2009
- Medline Plus: Premenstrual Syndrome
- "Clinical Drug Investigation"; Pilot Study of the Efficacy and Safety of a Modified-release Magnesium 250 Mg Tablet (Sincromag) for the Treatment of Premenstrual Syndrome; S. Quaranta et al.; 2007
- National Institutes of Health: Premenstrual Syndrome; June 2010
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