PMS Support

An estimated 40 million women suffer from premenstrual syndrome (PMS).  PMS is believed to be caused by the hormonal changes that occur between ovulation and menses.  Symptoms are typically recurring, though they may vary from month-to-month and usually subside with the onset of menstruation.

PMS is a complex disorder with a large number of symptoms that can vary from woman-to-woman and from month-to-month within an individual.  Addressing the problems associated with PMS through multiple nutritional approaches can be most beneficial.  Such approaches include nutritional ingredients that act to mitigate the effects of hormone swings by gently mimicking the actions of estrogens and progesterone and encouraging the body's natural production of the beneficial hormones needed to combat PMS.  Other nutritional approaches include herbs and nutrients that work to decrease the occurrence and severity of physical symptoms of PMS and nutrients that help address the emotional symptoms of PMS.

Chasteberry has progesterone-like activities in the body that make it useful in women's health. (Amann 1965)  Diindolylmethane biochemically encourages the body to preferentially produce the beneficial estrogens needed for optimal health. (Telang et al. 1997)  It also helps maintain adequate progesterone levels. (Spicer and Hammond 1988; Tekpetey and Armstrong 1994)  Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis) is a good source of phytoestrogens.  These phytoestrogens help the body stay in proper estrogen balance. (Hirata et al. 1997; Xu LN et al. 1981)  Black Cohosh contains phytoestrogens that have been shown to have hormone balancing effects in the body. (Koeda et al. 1995; Wade et al. 1999)

Clinical studies conducted on women with PMS showed Chasteberry improved a number of physical symptoms including headaches, breast fullness and bloating. (Berger et al. 2000; Hillebrand 1964; Schlellenberg 2001)  By assisting the body in maintaining levels of progesterone that are required to promote physical health during the two weeks prior to menstruation, Diindolylmethane supplementation helps relieve some physical PMS symptoms. (Tekpetey and Armstrong 1994)  Vitamin D, Vitamin B6, Magnesium and Calcium are important co-factors that help reduce physical fatigue, breast tenderness and assist in maintaining energy levels and mood during PMS. (Litchen 2005)

Black Cohosh has been shown to help with mood swings, depression and anxiety when these problems are related to hormone imbalance. (Foster 1999)  In addition, participants in clinical trials on the effect of Chasteberry on PMS symptoms reported improved mood and a reduction in anger. (Berger et al. 2000; Schlellenberg 2001)