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Medical Health Encyclopedia
Premenstrual Syndrome - Other Treatments
(Page 2)
Flaxseed Oil. Flaxseed oil may help relieve breast pain and tenderness associated with menstruation.
Agnus Castus Fruit Extract (Chaste Tree Berry). Several studies report that agnus castus fruit, also known as chaste tree berry, may help relieve PMS symptoms including breast pain and tenderness. Some evidence suggests that the compounds in this substance reduce prolactin levels. Prolactin is the important hormone in breast milk production. Women who are breastfeeding should not use this herb.
Ginger Tea. Ginger tea is safe and may help soothe mild nausea and other minor symptoms of PMS.
Melatonin. Women with PMS appear to have lower levels of melatonin, a powerful hormone that regulates sleep. One small study that simulated air travel reported that melatonin was helpful in reducing stress in PMS women, but controlled studies are needed to determine any real benefit.
Herbs and Supplements
Generally, manufacturers of herbal remedies and dietary supplements do not need FDA approval to sell their products. Just like a drug, herbs and supplements can affect the body's chemistry, and therefore have the potential to produce side effects that may be harmful. There have been a number of reported cases of serious and even lethal side effects from herbal products. Always check with your doctor before using any herbal remedies or dietary supplements.
The following are special concerns for people taking natural remedies for PMS:
- St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is an herbal remedy that may help some patients with mild-to-moderate depression. It can increase the risk for bleeding when used with blood-thinning drugs. It can also reduce the effectiveness of certain drugs including cancer and HIV treatments. St. John's wort can increase sensitivity to sunlight.
- Dong quai is a Chinese herb used to treat menstrual symptoms. Dong quai can lengthen the time it takes for blood to clot. People with bleeding disorders should not use dong quai. Dong quai should not be taken with drugs that prevent blood clotting, such as warfarin or aspirin.
- L-tryptophan supplements have caused eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome (EMS) in some people. EMS is a disorder that elevates certain white blood cells and can be fatal.
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Review Date: 07/11/2006
Reviewed By: Harvey Simon, M.D., Editor-in-Chief, Associate Professor of
Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General
Hospital.
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