Severe PMS symptoms affect an estimated 5-10% of all menstruating women. Not all women seek PMS help. A recent study of Japanese women found that only about 5% of the 5% that had severe PMS symptoms sought treatment and that treatment options were unsatisfactory. That means that out of 100 women surveyed, 5 had severe PMS symptoms, but 1 or less sought help. That?s sad.
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder or PMDD is the medical term for severe PMS symptoms. Other conditions have similar symptoms and should be ruled out, before assuming that premenstrual syndrome is the cause. The Cleveland Clinic advises that doctors should rule out endometriosis, fibroids, menopause, thyroid problems and hormone deficiencies, as well as psychiatric conditions, such as depression, anxiety or panic disorder. It is interesting to note that PMDD is a legal defense for criminal action in the United Kingdom, but not in the United States.
No one knows exactly what causes it. The accepted form of treatment in the 19th century was surgical removal of the ovaries. At that time it was referred to as ?menstrual madness?. This, of course, is not an acceptable treatment, but PMS help has not greatly improved over the years.
Symptoms are believed to be related to normal hormonal changes that occur during the menstrual cycle. It is possible that some women are more sensitive to these changes than others, but surveys of otherwise healthy women show that as many as 95% suffer from some premenstrual symptoms. In most women symptoms are mild to moderate and often do not require treatment of any kind, unless they are interfering with work performance, relationships or quality of life.
Recent studies have shown that women who suffer from PMDD have lower than normal levels of serotonin. Serotonin is a compound derived from tryptophan that is involved in many processes in the human body. It is one of the substances that transmits signals among nerve cells and is involved in the regulation of moods, sleep cycles and appetite. Over the counter remedies that boost serotonin production have been shown to improve sleep, regulate appetite (though it is not believed to be an appetite suppressant), and improve mood. Thus, over the counter remedies that help boost serotonin production are suggested for PMS help.
Symptoms that may be related to low levels of serotonin include mood swings, fatigue, irritability, aggressive behavior, anger, trouble concentrating, food cravings, increased appetite, trouble sleeping, anxiety and depression, among others. Laboratory studies have shown that estrogen prevents serotonin from being broken down in the body so quickly. This is similar to the function of anti-depressants known as Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors; Zoloft, Prozac, Celexa, etc., which are often prescribed for PMS help.
It could be that decreased levels of serotonin are caused by decreased levels of estrogen or women who suffer form severe PMS symptoms may already have borderline levels of serotonin and the decreased levels of estrogen allows the levels to fall even lower. No one knows, but obviously, if we can increase estrogen levels or increase serotonin production or both, then we should be able to get some relief; some PMS help.
Recommended medications for treating severe PMS symptoms typically include oral contraceptives or synthetic hormones, antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications, anti-inflammatories and diuretics. Lifestyle changes, stress management techniques, dietary changes, nutritional and herbal supplements are often recommended as well. It is important to note, however, that if you are currently taking a prescription medication for severe PMS symptoms there is a possibility of interaction with herbs. Medicinal herbs contain components that act a lot like prescription medications and adverse reactions have occurred. Consult your doctor, pharmacist or herbalist (or all three to be safe) for possible contraindications and interactions.
If you are not taking a prescription medication, then 5-HTP may provide the PMS help that you need. 5-HTP is used by the body to create serotonin. Studies have shown that continued use increases circulating levels of serotonin, with no adverse reactions. For more information, please visit the Menopause and PMS guide.
Patsy Hamilton was a health care professional for over twenty years before becoming a freelance writer. Currently she write information articles focused on women's health and fitness. Read more at http://www.menopause-and-pms-guide.com | |
