Nutritional Supplements for Premenstrual Syndrome

Vitamin B6 and Premenstrual Syndrome

Nutritional supplementation with vitamin B6 can reduce symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome in up to 84% of patients.

Vitamin B6 reduces estrogen levels, increases progesterone levels and suppresses aldosterone and this results in a reduction of fluid retention. Vitamin B6 also increases magnesium levels within body cells.

Dosage: 50-100 mg daily

Magnesium and Premenstrual Syndrome

Premenstrual Syndrome patients have reduced red blood cell magnesium levels and magnesium supplementation has been shown to be effective for the treatment of Premenstrual Syndrome.

Magnesium deficiency can contribute to hormonal imbalances, blood sugar dysregulation and mood swings. Magnesium supplementation improves Premenstrual Syndrome symptoms including breast tenderness, weight gain and mood changes.

Dosage: 500-1000 mg daily

Calcium and Premenstrual Syndrome

Calcium supplements are shown to improve mood, concentration and behavior and to reduce fluid retention. Patients with Premenstrual Syndrome also generally have reduced bone density.

Zinc and Premenstrual Syndrome

Women with Premenstrual Syndrome have reduced zinc levels and low levels of zinc are associated with increased prolactin levels. Zinc is also involved in the secretion and action of other hormones.

Dosage: 30-45 mg daily

Vitamin E and Premenstrual Syndrome

Supplements of vitamin E have been shown to reduce many of the symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome including nervous tension, headache, fatigue, depression, insomnia, weight gain, breast tenderness and food cravings.

Dosage: 400 IU daily

Essential Fatty Acids and Premenstrual Syndrome

Premenstrual Syndrome patients have a reduce ability to metabolize essential fatty acids which often results in a deficiency of GLA and prostaglandin abnormalities. Traditionally evening primrose oil has been used to counteract this howver recent studies have shown it to be no more beneficial than a placebo.

A more effective approach to correcting these imbalances is to provide the body with essential fatty acids from flaxseed and fish oils as well as adequate levels of zinc, magnesium and vitamin B6 as these nutrients are involved in essential fatty acid metabolism.

High Potency Multivitamin and Mineral Supplements and Premenstrual Syndrome

Women with Premenstrual Syndrome often have nutritional deficiencies. A general multivitamin and mineral supplement can help to ensure that these underlying causes are addressed. These supplements have also been shown to produce significant improvements in the symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome.

Probiotics and Premenstrual Syndrome

Establishing optimal intestinal flora reduces the action of the enzyme beta-glucoronidase that is involved in blocking detoxification of estrogen and other harmful toxins.

Dosage: 10-20 billion organisms daily of Lactobacillus acidophilus/ Bifidobacterium bifidum

How Effective is Dietary and Nutritional Treatment for Premenstrual Syndrome?

It will take approximately there months for improvements to occur in most cases. The outcomes of treatment are dependant on the commitment of the patient to a large degree as diet, exercise and stress management are of utmost importance if results are to be maintained. However treatment can often be very effective when a holistic approach is consistently applied.

Copyright © Mizpah Matus 2003

See Also:

Premenstrual Syndrome Diet

Online Detox Diet Program