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Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) may be connected to the lack of certain vitamins, minerals or fatty acids. It could be caused by the rise and fall of the two main hormones that regulate menstruation. Women who have PMS notice their symptoms last a few days or as long as three weeks before their period. Symptoms go away just as menstruation begins. The cause is unknown, and no test can diagnose the condition. About 30 percent to 40 percent of women have symptoms severe enough to affect their quality of life.
Symptoms
Symptoms may include:
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Fluid retention
- Headache
- Irritability
- Fluctuations in mood
- Backache and pain in the lower abdominal region
- Food cravings
- Dizziness
- Breast tenderness
- Cramps
Speak with your doctor to rule out another medical condition.
| Herb/Supplement |
Claim |
Potential Interactions, Side Effects and Dangers |
What the Experts Say |
| Black cohosh |
Treats mood swings, breast tenderness, bloating and cramps. |
Slow heartbeats, drop in blood pressure, loss of bone mass and risk of liver damage. May increase the risk of miscarriage. May induce early labor and may cause birth defects. May cause upset stomach, weight gain, constipation and dizziness. |
Not enough evidence supports using black cohosh for PMS. Do not take while pregnant or breastfeeding. |
| Evening primrose oil |
Relieves breast tenderness, bloating and mood swings. |
May cause seizures in people taking drugs such as chlorpromazine, thioridazine and triflueperazine. May cause headaches, stomachache and nausea. If you are getting surgery, tell your doctor you take this. |
Used in Europe, but researchers say don't waste your money. It doesn't work. |
Conventional treatments
Pain relievers such as ibuprofen and naproxen may help with cramps and headaches. Antidysmenorrheals such as mefenamic acid may inhibit hormones responsible for pain and other symptoms. Diuretics such as hydrochlorothiazide may help reduce water retention.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are being prescribed more often for severe PMS. Generally used for depression and anxiety, SSRIs have fewer side effects than other antidepressants. SSRIs include Celexa® (citalopram), Luvox® (fluvozamine), Paxil® (paroxetine), Prozac® (fluoxetine) and Zoloft® (sertraline).
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External Sources
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This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.
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