From Proyar Laboratory, we want to share with you the 2nd part of an exclusive article for our clients, written by Dr. Jorge Alonso, MD, MN 67,640, Director of the Postgraduate Program in Phytomedicine at U.B.A., and President of the Latin American Society of Phytomedicine.
Premenstrual Syndrome (Part 2) See first part.
NATURAL TREATMENT
Although many gynecologists are inclined to give hormonal treatment (estrogens with progesterone), there are very effective natural alternatives.
1. Natural medications that control the most important symptoms: diuretics (horsetail, corn silk), anxiolytics (valerian, lemon balm, linden, passionflower), anti-inflammatories (turmeric with black pepper, pineapple bromelain), digestives (chamomile, lemon verbena, pennyroyal, mint), antidepressants (St. John's wort), energizers (maca, ginseng), etc.
2. Some women obtain favorable changes when they modify their diet; for example, with healthy foods, increasing protein consumption and reducing consumption of refined carbohydrates (flours) and adding polyunsaturated fats, fibers, and probiotics (kefir, lactobacilli, etc.).
3. Other measures are: starting a regular exercise regimen, avoiding caffeine, alcohol and cigarettes.
4. Avoid situations that cause stress.
5. Vitamin B6 or pyridoxine is one of the most prescribed substances for PMS, as it combats breast discomfort, depression and anxiety. It is administered at a rate of 100mg/day throughout the month. Vitamin E reduces discomfort such as headache, insomnia, depression, food cravings or fatigue.
6. Evening primrose oil (Oenothera biennis): Evening primrose is native to North America, being later introduced to Europe. The seeds are used, from which evening primrose oil is obtained by cold expression, which is rich in gamma-linolenic acid with very good anti-inflammatory power at the gynecological level. It also performs antiplatelet, vasodilatory and immunological modulation functions. It has been confirmed that patients with PMS usually have low levels of this acid, which makes the organism "compensate" with greater prolactin production (which gives the typical painful breast symptoms). It is sold in 500 mg capsules and in liquid form.
7. Chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus): This plant (known in Spain as chasteberry) works very well in symptom control thanks to the presence of diterpenes that help increase dopamine production (the patient will feel more motivated) and reduce prolactin peaks responsible for breast tension. On the other hand, it greatly improves menstrual cycle regularity, being therefore highly chosen in addressing female fertility disorders. It is usually given in the form of tincture and tablets.
8. Black currant (Ribes nigrum): It is another important source of gamma-linolenic acid. The leaves are used which in Europe are usually taken as an infusion. Otherwise, there are standardized capsules or tablets. Similarly, borage oil (Borago officinalis) obtained from the seeds can work, which also represents another interesting source of gamma-linolenic acid.
