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PMS & Proven Natural Medicine

It appears the latest clinical trials on PMS agree with my naturopathic suggestions on a couple of occassions.

Vitex-Agnus Castus

Vitex has been proven to be effective for decreasing SOME symptoms of PMS. The majority of women in this study had a 50% reduction in symptoms.

These include:

Breast Pain or Tenderness

Swelling

Irritability

Depressed Mood or Mood Swings

Anger and Headache

The vitex of choice is Herb Pharm's Chaste Tree/Vitex agnus-castus 4 oz , this is a liquid herbal that is absorbed faster than tablets or capsules. Dosage should be 30 drops twice daily.

Schellenberg R. Treatment for the premenstrual syndrome with agnus castus fruit extract: prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Br Med J 2001;322:134-7.

Bio-Identical Progesterone Cream

There are no recent trials that show this cream to be effective. HOWEVER, some new research is currently being finalised. What proof we do have of this treatment being effective is in evidence and population studies.

In a study reviewed by the Alternative Medicine Review in 2006, it was concluded that there is sufficient evidence to support the use of bio-identical progesterone over the use of synthetic hormones. Click on the following link for more information on Bio-Identical Progesterone cream - Pro Gest Cream Value Size Paraben 4 oz From Emerita

Find out why I reccomend the use of this cream for PMS.

Evening Primrose Oil

In a trial conducted in 1996 it showed that EPO is ineffective in relieving symptoms of premenstural syndrome. In these studies however, researchers have suggested that the studies were not long enough, they say they needed to be at least 6 months long. If you can hold out for 6 months or more on EPO and it works for you then great. It is thought that EPO works as an anti-inflammatory because of it's GLA properties. Initial studies were done on women with PMS because they were shown to be deficient in GLA.

Budeiri D, Li Wan Po A, Dornan JC. Is evening primrose oil of value in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome? Control Clin Trials 1996;17:60-8

Gingko Biloba

Trials have shown that the herb Gingko is effective in treating breast tenderness and neuropsychological symtoms when taken on the 16th day to the 5th day of the menstrual cycle. This is based on a dose of 80mg twice daily. Gingko has several active constituents that may contribute to the relief of these symptoms including flavonoids, terpenoids and organic acids. Gingko is also an antioxidant which helps protect our cells from free radicals. A cost effective Gingko can be found at Ginkgo Biloba (60 Caps) Cognitive Function

Tamborini A, Taurelle R. [Value of standardized Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761) in the management of congestive symptoms of premenstrual syndrome]. [Article in French]. Rev Fr Gynecol Obstet 1993;88:447-57.

Dong Quai

The herb Dong Quai (Angelica) has insufficient data to claim any beneficial effect on Premenstrual symptoms.

St.Johns Wort

This herb has preliminary evidence that it can help premenstrual symptoms BUT is generally not recommended because St.Johns Wort can interfere with other medications especially the birth control pill. Please consult your health practitioner before taking this natural medicine.

St Johns Wort 300mg, 60 caps: W uses the same amount of St.John's wort mentioned in the trial, dosage is one tablet daily.

Stevinson C, Ernst E. A pilot study of Hypericum perforatum for the treatment of premenstrual syndrome. BJOG 2000;107:870-6.

SAMe

According to a study done on outpatients in 1990 at the Massachusetts General Hospital, there was insufficient evidence that SAMe helps Premenstrual symptoms. It did show however, that SAMe did help with the symptom of depression.

Rosenbaum JF, Fava M, Falk WE, et al. The antidepressant potential of oral S-adenosyl-l-methionine. Acta Psychiatr Scand 1990;81:432-6.

Black Cohosh

This herb has shown to have no benefit to PMS sufferers.

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