Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a constellation of symptoms characterized by their onset several days prior to menstruation, resolving when menstruation begins. These symptoms can include irritability, emotional tension, anxiety, moodiness, depression, food cravings, skin eruptions, headaches, cramping, breast tenderness, and swelling due to water retention. The exact cause is not known but is probably related to the fluctuation of hormones or neurotransmitters during the menstrual cycle. Symptom severity can range from mild to debilitating and tends to be worse in younger women. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder is a related condition which presents with more severe depression and mood symptoms.
Homeopathics
Anpituipar™- glandular homeopathic for the endocrine system, indicated for relief of weakness, weariness, thirst, PMS, and bone pain.**
Anxiety HP™- high-potency formula indicated for symptoms of anxiety and nervousness.**
Easter Lily- single homeopathic remedy made from the Easter lily, traditionally used for balancing the female reproductive system.**
Endopar F™- glandular homeopathic female hormonal balancer, indicated for relief of menstrual pain and cramps, pain immediately prior to menses, and sore breasts associated with menstruation.**
Estrogens- may temporarily relieve irregular periods, heavy bleeding, and breast tenderness.**
Ignatia- single homeopathic remedy indicated for menstrual cramps with sadness, worry, and changeable moods.**
Lymphapar™- glandular homeopathic indicated for lymph drainage and swollen irritated breasts prior to menses.**
Mag Phos- single homeopathic remedy indicated for nerve pain, cramping pain, and painful menstruation.**
Progesterone Phenolic- indicated for mood swings, painful menses, breast tenderness, headaches, and nervousness.**
Pulsatilla- single homeopathic remedy indicated for menstrual pain and irregularity, especially with moodiness or weeping.**
Herbals
Calming Formula- Rainforest Botanical calming formula that supports healthy sleep, calms restless children, soothes nerves, and eases jitters.
Chaste Tree- single spagyric herbal to help support hormone regulation and reduce occasional acne, pain, bloating, and breast tenderness.
* Cohoshcom I™- fortifier for the ovaries and hormonal balancer, indicated for PMS symptoms.
Cohoshcom II™- fortifier for the female endocrine system, indicated for menopausal symptoms.
Diuretic Formula- Rainforest Botanical formula that helps to alleviate excess body fluid.
* Female Formula- Rainforest Botanical female lunar cycle formula that relieves symptoms of PMS, soothes nerves, supports healthy hormone balance, eases pain of menstrual cramps, and relieves peripartum pain.
Gencom™- fortifier for the blood, blood purifier, and detoxifier for the general system.
Nettlecom™- fortifier for the blood and natural source of iron, indicated to support red blood cell synthesis.
Red Raspberry- single spagyric herbal used as a long-term uterine tonic to reduce cramping.
Turmeric- single spagyric herbal indicated for inflammatory and neurotransmitter balance, has been shown to ease severity of physical and emotional PMS symptoms[i].
Uña de Gato- single herb from the Rainforest known for its immune-supporting and antioxidant benefits. Also known as cat’s claw and available in liquid or capsules. Studies have shown it to be effective in the treatment of menstrual irregularities.
Valericom™- fortifier and detoxifier of the nervous system, indicated to support health mood.
Nutritionals
* B-6 250 MG- vitamin B6, especially with magnesium, may alleviate bloating, moodiness, and general symptoms of PMS[ii].
B Complex- the B vitamins support the adrenal glands and reduce water retention.
Calcium Plus- calcium with magnesium and other nutrients. Studies have shown calcium may help reduce bloating and mood changes associated with PMS[iii].
* G.L.A. Borage- gamma linolenic acid (GLA) is a precursor to prostaglandin E1, which attenuates premenstrual symptoms by lowering sensitivity to prolactin. GLA deficiency has been associated with premenstrual syndrome[iv].
Initial E™- vitamin E reduces breast tenderness and other PMS symptoms.
* Mag-Chlor- highly absorbable form of magnesium. Along with vitamin B6, magnesium may alleviate PMS symptoms[v]..
Primrose Oil- essential fatty acid supplement rich in GLA, which has been shown to help alleviate PMS[vi].
Additional Considerations
Proper diet is extremely important in treating PMS. Encourage your patient to eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables and eliminate processed foods.
Regular exercise can be helpful. Studies show that PMS is more common in women who do not exercise and that its incidence decreases as cardiovascular fitness increases.
A warm bath, heating pad, or hot water bottle may alleviate cramps. Warmth increases blood flow and relaxes muscles.
Many women who suffer from PMS have thyroid abnormalities. You may wish to refer to the Thyroid Dysfunction section of this guide.
[i] Khayat S, Fanaei H, Kheirkhah M, Moghadam ZB, Kasaeian A, Javadimehr M. Curcumin attenuates severity of premenstrual syndrome symptoms: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Complement Ther Med. 2015;23(3):318‐324. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2015.04.001
[ii] Fathizadeh N, Ebrahimi E, Valiani M, Tavakoli N, Yar MH. Evaluating the effect of magnesium and magnesium plus vitamin B6 supplement on the severity of premenstrual syndrome. Iran J Nurs Midwifery Res. 2010;15(Suppl 1):401‐405.
[iii] Shobeiri F, Araste FE, Ebrahimi R, Jenabi E, Nazari M. Effect of calcium on premenstrual syndrome: A double-blind randomized clinical trial. Obstet Gynecol Sci. 2017;60(1):100‐105. doi:10.5468/ogs.2017.60.1.100
[iv] Horrobin DF. The role of essential fatty acids and prostaglandins in the premenstrual syndrome. J Reprod Med. 1983;28(7):465‐468.
[v] Fathizadeh et al 2010.
[vi] Horrobin 1983.
*Denotes primary remedy.
**These statements are based upon traditional homeopathic practice.
**Claims based on traditional homeopathic practice, not accepted medical evidence. Not FDA evaluated.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Revised 3/1/21