PMS Treatment Through the Use of CAM

Headnote

Abstract: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) often affects the everyday lives of women around the world. Conventional treatment may not adequately meet individual needs. The use of Complementary Alternative Medicine (CAM) is increasing as a method to provide a flexible and a holistic approach to women's health. On the forefront of recommended CAM therapies for PMS are dietary alterations and the use of herbal supplements. Calcium, vitamin B6, cramp bark, Ginkgo biloba, and chaste tree extract are just a few important supplements that may benefit women suffering from PMS. These alternative options can be easily incorporated into one's lifestyle and potentially provide maximal therapeutic effects while minimizing potential adverse effects. In order to provide accurate information and to ensure patient's safety, health care providers and support persons should be familiar with current recommendations for CAM and its use in treating PMS.

Keywords: Premenstrual Syndrome, PMS, PMS and diet, CAM (Complementary and Alternative Medicine)

A New Approach to PMS Treatment Through the Use of CAM

It is common knowledge that pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) largely affects the daily life of many women; however not until recently has it been recognized as a medical condition. While official recognition is welcomed, women have intuitively known this real phenomenon for years and sought and shared information regarding relief of symptoms. Premenstrual symptoms are common in women of reproductive age with an estimated 30% of women bothered by premenstrually experienced symptoms (Tschudin, Bertea, & Zemp, 2010). Symptoms of PMS are reported to affect up to 90% of menstruating women, and two to five percent of women experience the most severe symptoms (Dog, 2009). Although symptoms of PMS vary from mild to severe, many women seek methods to alleviate them.

Childbirth educators, who have close contact with women, are ideally positioned to offer education to women regarding issues surrounding their reproductive systems. With the recognition of PMS as a medical condition, traditional medicine now offers more options; however, alternative methods remain of great interest to many. Typical traditional methods to alleviate PMS symptoms include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g. ibuprofen or naproxen), antidepressants, diuretics, and medicines that stop ovulation (e.g. birth control pills) and stabilize hormonal swings (Mayo Clinic, 2012).

These traditional methods are widely known, however, there is increasing evidence to support the...