“Quit PMS’ing!” How to Treat Premenstrual Syndrome.

 

Are you irritable, depressed, or anxious around the time of your period? Do you experience monthly low back pain, bloating, breast tenderness, or fatigue? If your answer is yes, then you may have premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

 

The treatments for premenstrual syndrome (PMS) can vary depending on which provider you see, and what symptoms you experience. With multiple options out there, which ones are best? A research article published in 2023 by Martin & Woodruff can help you to make the best decisions.

 

What is PMS?

 

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a condition that affects the lives and relationships of women everywhere, around the time of their monthly menstrual cycle (“period”). Roughly 95% of women who have periods will experience PMS, and 20% of those women will have severe symptoms. The symptoms are both psychological and physical and may affect every woman differently.

 

Psychological Symptoms of PMS: irritability, depression, anxiety, restlessness, short-tempered, crying, and difficulty concentrating.

 

Physical Symptoms of PMS: low back pain and stiffness, abdominal pain, constipation, nausea, headaches, bloating, breast tenderness, appetite changes, and fatigue.

 

PMS is caused by inflammation and changes in hormones around the time of your period, namely increased estrogen, and decreased progesterone. Some research also shows decreases in serotonin levels during PMS (i.e., less of the “feel good” chemical in our brains). Other things that might make your symptoms worse are insulin resistance, obesity, issues with processing glucose, and stress.

 

What Are Your Treatment Options?

 

One common method in the medical realm of treating PMS are oral contraceptives (the “birth control pill”). These pills send synthetic estrogen or progesterone derivatives into the body in an effort to reduce PMS symptoms.

 

The Pros: In some studies, “the pill” has been shown effective to slightly reduce PMS symptoms.

 

The Cons: In those same studies, “the pill” has led to side effects such as abnormal bleeding, nausea, breast tenderness, headaches, mood swings, or lack of period bleeding altogether. In other words, the side effects of “the pill” are the same symptoms of PMS itself.

 

A Better Option

 

A plethora of new research has shown the effectiveness of natural treatments in reducing the debilitating symptoms of PMS. In this study, a combination of acupuncture, flaxseed oil, coenzyme Q10, magnesium, B-vitamins, meditation, and turmeric.

 

This combination of supplements and treatments was selected to increase progesterone levels, reduce the inflammatory process, alleviate cramping pain, and increase antioxidant status.

 

Acupuncture: Naturally reduces stress and inflammation by releasing hormones within the body and relaxing muscle tension in multiple areas. Perform 2-4 times per week.

 

Meditation: Daily meditation helps to reduce stress and increase mindfulness of your thoughts and body. There are many free apps out there to help you, such as Calm®.

 

B-100 Vitamin Complex: This can be bought online or in stores. It has a mixture of 100mg of Vitamin B1 (thiamin), Vitamin B2 (riboflavin), Vitamin B3 (niacin), Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) as well as 100µg of Vitamin B9 (folic acid) and Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin). Take this daily.

 

Coenzyme Q10 (Co-Q10): Every day, take 100mg of Co-Q10 (ubiquinol) to reduce inflammation and increase antioxidants in the body.

 

Flaxseed Oil (L usitatissimum): Every day, take 1000mg of flaxseed oil to raise progesterone levels.

 

Turmeric (C longa): Every day, take 1000mg of turmeric to reduce inflammation and increase antioxidants in the body.

 

In one study of this treatment plan, a patient reported 80% reduction in her symptoms after only four weeks, and her lab values of progesterone went from 0.5 ng/mL (much too low) to a normal 7.4 ng/mL at 36 weeks.

 

For more information on these treatment options, schedule an appointment today with one of our board-certified chiropractic physicians. It is our mission to guide you to better health, with you participating as an equal partner in your own wellness!

 

Martin, B. R., Woodruff, J. (2023). Management of a Patient With Premenstrual Syndrome Using Acupuncture, Supplements, and Meditation: A Case Report. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine; 22(3): 222-229.”