Tag Archives: pms symptoms

Your Top Treatment For PMS – Cure PMS Symptoms Fast

  By | February 7, 2011 - 9:26 am | Articles
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PMS is difficult for women and there are a variety of options for its treatment. However, it can be tough to work out which treatment would be best. This is because there are so many possible symptoms that you could face- both psychological and physical.

Psychological Symptoms- irritability, depression and inability to cope, loss of concentration, mood swings, aggression and feeling unloved.

Physical Symptoms- Bloating, weight gain, breast tenderness, migraines, cravings and back pain.

As a woman, you are probably experiencing one, or more, of these symptoms. Unfortunately, not all women experience PMS in the same ways and it may be hard to pick the right treatment for PMS for you.

You could try taking a multitude of treatment options aimed at attacking a variety of symptoms. You could take pain killers for your aches, pains and headaches and you could consider taking diuretics to alleviate bloating. Unfortunately, taking these treatments in excess can actually be detrimental to your health.

A healthy diet, plenty of exercise and adequate rest are also important if you want to lessen the impact of PMS. Doing this can help alleviate a lot of the symptoms you may feel. The production of serotonin through exercise can help alleviate irritability. Also, caffeine and alcohol can cause irritability so you should avoid excess consumption to reduce your irritability.

Each of these suggestions may help alleviate some symptoms but they do not deal with all symptoms you may experience. However, there are some possible treatments out there that show some evidence that they may treat a variety of the symptoms you may feel. Some studies show that many PMS symptoms may appear as a result of an imbalance in the ratio of hormones in the body. Progesterone cream is commonly recommended as an option for trying to address this imbalance and equalizing the ratio of hormone levels in the body.


Other sites that may interest you

menopause.html
Introduction to Menopause
Menopause - University of Maryland Medical Center


Top Natural Treatments For PMS Relief

  By | February 6, 2011 - 10:09 pm | Articles
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For many women, PMS or premenstrual syndrome can be a painful time. They may suffer from a variety of symptoms including weight gain, irritability, anger, fatigue, difficulty concentrating as well as hunger cravings. Many women also suffer migraines, breast soreness and backaches.

Women looking for PMS relief should look at moderate exercise and massage. Moderate exercise can keep the muscles stretched and limber, whilst also ensuring that you can keep any weight gain down. If you are suffering lower back soreness, you may also want to consider massage to ease your pain. Massage can also help with stress reduction.

Regulating your diet is also important to ensure that you can relieve any symptoms of PMS that you may be suffering. You should eat regular, smaller meals, throughout the day and cut out any unhealthy food options from your diet such as high sugar foods, caffeine and alcohol. Make sure you eat plenty of whole grains and plenty of calcium.

Many of the symptoms of PMS relief can also be alleviated with the use of herbal remedies. Any imbalances in the body may be counteracted with these treatments.

Premenstrual Syndrome can also lead to an imbalance of the hormone estrogen in the body, and this imbalance can escalate PMS symptoms. As such, the use of phytoestrogen can be a popular treatment option.

A more and more popular relief option is progesterone cream. Progesterone is a regulating hormone in the body and helps regulate other hormones such as estrogen. Because it also helps regulate blood sugar levels, progesterone can also be useful in ensuring that you avoid cravings.

Most women suffer from some level of PMS, with some women feeling their symptoms worse than other women. The purpose of this article was to give you a variety of natural PMS relief options.


Other sites that may interest you

The Menopausal Patient And Hormone Replacement Therapy
Climacteric (human) - Wikipedia the free encyclopedia
Menopause


What to Do If You Suffer From Severe PMS

  By | February 6, 2011 - 6:00 pm | Articles
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Premenstrual Syndrome is a term that is used to describe the feelings associated with a variety of symptoms that women experience as part of their menstrual cycle. All women will suffer from some sort of PMS- unfortunately PMS is more severe for some women that for others. Symptoms can include irritability, anxiety, migraines, bloating and weight gain to name just a few.

If you are one of those who suffers from severe PMS, here are some natural solutions to help ensure that you are best equipped to deal with ‘that time of the month.’ You should:

o Get plenty of rest and exercise- Exercise is important because it can help counteract any possible weight gain that you may feel. It can also produce hormones that reduce stress. Rest can also help reduce stress and may reduce the severe effects of migraines.

o Get yourself a massage and a spa- In order to reduce effects of irritability and any soreness you may feel, consider getting a massage and a spa.

o Eat a healthy diet- A well rounded diet- plenty of grains, fruits, vegetables and water- is important to help alleviate some of the symptoms you can see with PMS. You should avoid too much caffeine and alcohol as these can exacerbate any irritability you may feel.

o Consider using a progesterone cream- Some studies have suggested that a major reason that women experience PMS symptoms is because there is an imbalance in hormone levels in the body. Progesterone is somewhat of a hormone regulator and by taking Progesterone Creams you can help redress this imbalance. Progesterone can also inhibit cravings so that you experience no weight gain.

Premenstrual Syndrome is uncomfortable for women and can be downright painful for others. If you suffer from severe PMS symptoms, consider some of the natural solutions mentioned above to help alleviate your suffering.


Other sites that may interest you

Menopause - PubMed Health
Endometrial cancer - Wikipedia the free encyclopedia
Menopause - University of Maryland Medical Center


Top Tips For All Natural PMS Remedies

  By | February 6, 2011 - 4:10 pm | Articles
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PMS is an unfortunate and unavoidable reality for women. There is nothing you can do to really stop PMS, but there are some natural PMS remedy ideas you can follow to ensure that any symptoms you experience are lessened. If you want to lessen your pain you should:

o Eat regular, healthy meals- A healthy diet is an important natural PMS remedy. You need to ensure that you eat enough grains and vegetable to keep your vitamin and mineral levels healthy. Eating smaller meals more regularly can also ensure that you do not experience cravings.

o Cut back on the bad things- A high salt, high caffeine and high alcohol diet can exacerbate any PMS symptoms you may experience. If not just for health reasons, you should cut back on your intake of these things purely to relieve any anxiety and irritability you may be feeling.

o Make sure you exercise, sleep and rest enough- Getting enough rest and exercise are important for overall health as well as a remedy for PMS. They make you happier, less irritable and less depressed. Exercise can also ensure that you do not experience any unwanted and unnecessary weight gain.

o Stop smoking- Nicotine addiction causes irritability. PMS causes irritability. Combine the two and your irritability is exacerbated. Quit smoking for your own sake and for the sake of your friends, family and work colleagues!

o Wear comfortable clothing- One common symptom of PMS that many women feel is breast soreness or tenderness. A natural remedy for this symptom is to wear the right clothing. A cotton bra, as opposed to more coarse and painful materials can help alleviate some of the pain you may feel.

o Consider Progesterone Cream- Progesterone cream may be a viable option for you if you experience a variety of PMS symptoms. Progesterone cream can help alleviate hormonal imbalances experienced during PMS to help alleviate PMS symptoms.

There are a variety of natural PMS remedies out there to help you alleviate any symptoms you may experience. I urge you to consider the remedies I have mentioned above if you experience severe PMS.


Other sites that may interest you

menopause.html
Perimenopause: Rocky road to menopause - Harvard Health ...
European Menopause and Andropause Society - Wikipedia the free ...


Getting Relief From PMS Though Progesterone Therapy Part 2

  By | February 5, 2011 - 9:06 pm | Articles
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Oral contraceptives- These may be prescribed to help even out the ovarian hormones with a woman’s body. The newer class of oral contraceptives show a much greater improvement in hormonal fluctuations in women.

Pain medications- These help bring relief from menstrual cramps, headaches, backaches and also pelvic discomfort. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory analgesics that may be prescribed include NSAIDS such as Advil, Motrin, Aleve, Anaprox, Tylenol, etc. Mefenamic acid such as Ponsel may also be prescribed.

Seeing that treatment for PMS is symptomatic, the woman in question of treatment plays an instrumental part in formulating an effective treatment plan. Exercise is another highly effective way to reduce symptoms of PMS. How? Exercise helps reduce stress, anxiety, depression and anger in most women. Exercise has a highly positive effect on hormones since it releases the feel-good hormone serotonin.

Drinking tea is another great way to reduce PMS symptoms. Increasing dietary carbohydrates during the weeks before the menstrual period can also really help. Carbohydrates are helpful since they are known to increase serotonin levels in women, especially during the onset of PMS. Reducing alcohol and quitting smoking altogether may also help tremendously with reducing severity of PMS. Vitamin B6 can help reduce bloating and balances the hormones a bit further.

Other products that should be avoided or eliminated altogether in the weeks leading up to menstrual flow include caffeine, refined sugar, salt, dairy products and foods containing a high source of animal fats.

Stress reduction also has a huge positive impact on the symptoms of PMS. Do whatever possible to reduce your stress levels. Take a warm hot bath, meditate, listen to relaxing music, just do whatever it takes to reduce your stress levels.

In recent years, a new treatment for PMS that has been showing tremendous promise is natural progesterone therapy. Why? Because it’s been proven to help get rid of the estrogen dominance that may be the source of PMS. Natural progesterone therapy comes in both vaginal and rectal form. The cream is not messy like typical creams, nor does it drip and the body literally absorbs it within minutes of application. So what does natural progesterone cream help alleviate? PMS symptoms such as cramps, depression, fatigue, bloating, headaches, weight gain and irritability are helped tremendously by the cream.

To date, the most safest option for PMS is natural progesterone cream and Natpro natural progesterone cream is often recommended by most women who have experience using different types of creams.


Other sites that may interest you

Male Menopause?
Menopause - PubMed Health
Endometrial cancer - Wikipedia the free encyclopedia


Can Natural Progesterone Relieve the Symptoms of PMS?

  By | February 5, 2011 - 8:18 pm | Articles
1 Comment

Many women would like to now if natural progesterone will relieve their PMS symptoms. The good news is that it certainly can in most cases.

Progesterone is a hormone which is very much involved in the menstruation cycle as well as pregnancy. They are a naturally occurring hormone in the human body. Progestins on the other hand are synthetic progestogens. This is why natural progesterone is ideal as a form of PMS relief, because it is all natural and not chemically formulated. PMS or pre menstrual syndrome is a common occurrence for women when they are about to have their period each month. Symptoms can include:

Fatigue – Most women feel more tired than usual just before their period begins.

Mood swings – Irritability and moodiness is a common sign of PMS.

Headaches – Not all women experience headaches however many notice an onset of headaches up to one week before menstruation.

Stomach cramping – Very common symptom, often severely debilitating.

Sore breasts – Most women experience breast tenderness.

Depression – Similar to mood swings, with heightened emotions causing feelings of depression and sadness.

The above are just the typical symptoms and the most common. Some women experience other symptoms for which natural progesterone can also assist with.

Menstruation affects women both physically and mentally so it is important that any treatment addresses both of these issues, not just the physical symptoms as many PMS medications attempt to focus on. PMS sufferers often show signs of estrogen dominance. This is where there is not enough progesterone being produced in the body

If a woman fails to ovulate in a particular month (and this is more common than you think) then the progesterone levels will not rise enough to be balanced with estrogen. This means that progesterone deficiency will occur which can cause PMS afflictions.

Many women have a great response to natural progesterone supplementation. It is mostly used in certain situations such as for women who are using estrogen replacement therapy, when birth control pills with too much estrogen in them are used, for women who have undergone a hysterectomy, post menopausal women and certain other situations. These are the people who respond most strongly to natural progesterone supplementation.

If you want to treat PMS with it then the best way to do it is to start building up the level of progesterone in your body from around day 12 of your menstrual cycle (you will need to know your cycle to do this). If you then increase these levels right up to just before your period, you should notice a dramatic decrease in PMS symptoms.

Although day 12 is recommended as the time to being Natural progesterone treatment, every woman is different and some require progesterone earlier than day 12. You will gradually learn to know the right time for you after you begin using it. After using Natural progesterone for 3 or 4 months you should notice an overall difference in your menstruation symptoms. NatPro is an excellent way to relieve the symptoms of PMS.


Other sites that may interest you

Premature ovarian failure - Wikipedia the free encyclopedia
Menopause | What to expect during menopause | womenshealth.gov
Menopause - University of Maryland Medical Center


How Natural Progesterone Can Relieve the Symptoms of PMS?

  By | February 5, 2011 - 4:44 pm | Articles
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Countless women the world over are realizing the benefits of natural progesterone when it comes to relieving the symptoms of PMS (pre-menstrual syndrome). PMS symptoms occur when there is an over abundance of estrogen in the body. This causes a hormonal imbalance whereby the woman becomes what is known as estrogen dominant, meaning progesterone and estrogen are not balanced. This results in the tell tale PMS symptoms such as:

Fatigue Headaches Stomach cramping Mood swings Tender breasts

Natural progesterone adds to the progesterone that a woman’s body produces. Whilst useful for PMS, it is also highly beneficial for menopause as women produce less and less progesterone as they age.

Whilst doctors often prescribe synthetic progesterone, it is the creams like NatPro which hold the greatest benefit for PMS sufferers. Synthetic progesterone can cause health problems beyond that of PMS symptoms. It can actually play havoc with the natural production of progesterone, which defeats the purpose of taking progesterone supplementation.

What else can happen if you take synthetic progesterone rather than natural progesterone? Your body can start producing more testosterone, the male sexual hormone. This results in further degradation of health and the appearance of unwanted male characteristics such as facial hair.

Natural progesterone will not react negatively on your health. Natural PMS treatment like NatPro is the ideal way to treat the debilitating monthly symptoms that so many women simply suffer through each month. It is a cream which is applied to the skin and is quickly absorbed to treat PMS. There are no artificial hormones or chemicals, just an all natural formula which means no side effects and no long term damage, unlike synthetic progesterone which carries with it a host of risks.

What else will a cream do for you?

It assists in giving you a better nights sleep, many women have reported an increase in daily energy levels, an overall sense of wellbeing and relief from hot flushes. Natural Progesterone is also thought to help prevent osteoporosis

Side effects which can occur from it include: Kidney dysfunction, Cardiac dysfunction, Epilepsy, Migraines, and Fluid retention. These are just some of the dangerous symptoms which can occur from using synthetic progesterone creams. I don’t know about you, but it’s certainly not worth the risk! Natural progesterone does not come with these risks.

The amount of cream that you will need to use depends on your age and health, so please read the packaging before applying. You will notice a decrease in your PMS symptoms relatively quickly – within a couple of months. From there you will generally forget what it was like to have debilitating PMS month after month.

The best way to treat PMS with this is to start using it at approximately the 12th day of your menstrual cycle. This will vary between women, but is a good place to start until you know your cycle intimately (if you don’t already). If you increase the level of natural progesterone cream up until your period starts then you will start noticing a rapid decline in the symptoms of PMS.


Other sites that may interest you

Menopause - University of Maryland Medical Center
Andropause - Wikipedia the free encyclopedia
Menopause and menopause treatments fact sheet | womenshealth ...


Mind & Body Solution for Pms

  By | January 2, 2011 - 11:31 am | Articles
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Mind & Body Solution for Pms

About Dr. Jarret Morrow:

Dr. Jarret Morrow, MD is the President & Chief Science Officer of University Health Industries, Inc.  Dr. Morrow received his Doctor of Medicine from The University of Alberta in June 2001 and prior to that, received his Bachelor of Science With Specialization in Pharmacology With Distinction, also from The University of Alberta, in June 1997.

Dr. Morrow has been a distinguished presenter at numerous scientific and medical conferences worldwide, generally involving various areas of psychiatry, including anxiety disorders and the physical impact of psychological stress, and has also co-authored numerous medical research publications generally involving similar subjects. Dr. Morrow is the inventor of two patent-pending dietary supplement formulations.

University Health Industries Disclaimer:

The information that is provided on this site is intended for your general knowledge only. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care providers with any questions that you may have regarding a specific medical condition.
Never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking medical advice or treatment it because of something you have read on this site or the University Health Industries™ site.

Part 1: About PMS

What are PMS and PMDD?
What causes PMS?
What are the symptoms of PMS?
What are the risks of PMS and PMDD?
How can I tell if I have PMS?
What can I do to manage my symptoms?
What medical treatments are available?
How effective are Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) for the treatment of PMS?
What is the effectiveness of gonadotropin releasing hormone analogues (GnRHa) therapy in treating PMS?
Is bright light therapy effective for treating the depression associated with premenstrual dysphoric disorder?

Part 2: About Zenstral

What is Zenstral PMS™?
Who should take Zenstral PMS™?
What are the ingredients?
How does Zenstral PMS™ work?
What is evidence based medicine?
What is a meta-analysis?
What scientific evidence was used in formulating Zenstral PMS™?
Who should not take Zenstral PMS™?
How much should I take?
When will it start to work?
What are the possible side effects?
What is the NPA TruLabel Program?
What is your guarantee?
Who is University Health Industries, Inc. (UHI)?
What other nutraceuticals are available from UHI?

Part 1: About PMS

Understanding PMS is one of the most important things you can do to manage your symptoms. In this booklet, Jarret D. Morrow, MD, chief scientific officer and president of University Health Industries, presents the known facts about PMS, an overview of treatment options, and current independent research that supports the use of Zenstral PMS™ for relieving PMS and PMDD.

What are PMS and PMDD?

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a more severe form of PMS, are both very common and potentially debilitating conditions from which many women suffer. Hormonal changes following ovulation trigger a group of disruptive symptoms that appear approximately 14 days before your period. PMS and PMDD affect an estimated 40 million women in the United States, with more than 5 million requiring medical treatment.

What causes PMS?

Though the exact cause of PMS is not completely understood, it appears that the hormones progesterone, estrogen and testosterone are involved, along with changes in the level of the brain chemical serotonin. Nutritional deficiencies in magnesium or vitamin B6, hormonal changes, neurotransmitter activity, diet, and stress have all been implicated in the etiology of PMS.1,2

What are the symptoms of PMS?

Most women feel some discomfort before their periods. But if you have PMS, you may feel so anxious, depressed, or uncomfortable that you can’t cope at home or at work. Common symptoms of PMS include:

Physical Symptoms/Psychological Symptoms

Breast tenderness (mastodynia)
Irritability
Cramping
Angry outbursts
Swollen hands or feet
Low self-esteem
Headaches
Anxiety
Weight gain
Confusion
Bloated abdomen
Difficulty concentrating
Constipation
Mood swings
Joint pain
Crying spells
Fatigue
Decreased libido
Acne
Depression

Symptoms usually stop or taper off soon after your period begins, and you may be symptom free until about two weeks before your next period.  For an extensive list of natural anxiety remedies, or for more information about dietary supplements to reduce weight gain and bloating, follow the respective links.

What are the risks of PMD and PMDD?

PMS and PMDD are not mere inconveniences. These conditions can adversely impact a woman’s personal, professional, and financial success. Women suffering from PMS are at increased risk of depression, absenteeism from work, strained relationships, reduced productivity, and worsening of medical conditions such as epilepsy, asthma, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, or migraine headache during specific phases of their menstrual cycles.

How can I tell if I have PMS?

According the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), you may have PMS if

Your PMS symptoms occur only during the last two weeks of your cycle.
the symptoms are sufficiently uncomfortable to impair your quality of life.
other disorders that may be mistaken for PMS have been excluded.

If you suspect you have PMS, ACOG recommends keeping a daily log of your symptoms for two or three consecutive months to help in diagnosis. It’s important to talk with your doctor to confirm your diagnosis and rule out other possible causes of your symptoms, such as depression, migraine headaches, seizure disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome, or allergies.

What can I do to manage my PMS symptoms?

Women can often manage the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome by making changes in the way they eat, exercise, and approach their daily lives. To reduce your discomfort, try implementing as many of the suggestions below as you can.

Dietary Tips for Controlling PMS

Eat smaller, more frequent meals to reduce bloating and the sensation of fullness.
Eat complex carbohydrates such as whole grain breads, pasta, and cereals.
Cut back on sugar and fat in your diet.
Avoid salt for the last days before your period to reduce bloating and fluid retention.
Avoid caffeine intake to feel less tense and irritable.
Avoid alcoholic beverages. Consuming alcohol before your period can make you feel more depressed.
Choose foods rich in calcium.
Increase consumption of dietary fiber.

Lifestyle Tips for Controlling PMS

Get aerobic exercise. Regular daily exercise will help improve your overall health and can alleviate symptoms such as fatigue and a depressed mood.
Ensure adequate sleep—about eight hours per night.
Attempt to schedule stressful events for the week after your period.
Maintain a regular schedule of meals, bedtime, and exercise.
Practice deep-breathing exercises to help reduce headaches, anxiety, or trouble sleeping.
Avoid smoking cigarettes.

What medical treatments are available for PMS and PMDD?

There are four types of prescription drugs used for PMS/PMDD:

Antidepressants that act on serotonin, including fluoxetine, sertraline, and paroxetine.The FDA has recently ordered makers of several antidepressants to issue black box warnings that patients on these medications should be closely monitored for “clinical worsening, suicidality, or unusual changes in behavior.”
Agents that suppress ovulation, such as danazol, transdermal estradiol patches, and some oral contraceptives. These medications carry risks for serious side effects and can be very expensive.
Other psychotropics to reduce anxiety, such as alprazolam and other anxiolytic benzodiazepines. Since alprazolam has a very short half-life, there is a risk of addiction for patients who are started on this medication.
Spironolactone, a diuretic that is only available by prescription. It has proven effective in reducing premenstrual fluid retention, but doesn’t address the other symptoms of PMS.

How effective are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI’s) for the treatment of PMS?

SSRI’s are a class of drugs used in the treatment of depression, anxiety, and personality disorders. Patients can experience many side effects from the use of these medications including weight changes, increase in anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and sexual dysfunction. A study published in the Cochrane Database concluded that there is very good evidence to support the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in the management of severe PMS. However, withdrawals due to side effects were 2.5 times more likely to occur in the treatment group than in the placebo group.3

What is the effectiveness of using gonadotropin releasing hormone analogues (GnRHa) to treat PMS?

GnRH analogues work to stop menstrual periods by decreasing estrogen production. A recent meta-analysis published in the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology concluded that GnRHa treatment appears to be an effective option in the management of PMS.4 Unfortunately, patients who take these analogues can experience several serious side effects, including menopausal type symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, vaginal dryness, and increased LDL cholesterol and bone loss.

Is bright light therapy effective for treating the depression associated with premenstrual dysphoric disorder?

Light therapy consists of exposure to full-spectrum light for a prescribed amount of time. A recent meta-analysis of bright light therapy published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology concluded that “the current evidence justifies neither enthusiastic dissemination nor confident rejection of this therapeutic modality.”5 Essentially, this suggests that more research is required to study the potential benefit of this treatment for PMS.

Part 2: About Zenstral PMS ™

From University Health Industries

Zenstral PMS from University Health Industries

Testimonial:

“I want to thank you for all of your help. I have had the most terrible PMS with every symptom possible. Zenstral PMS has made all the difference! I have none of the symptoms: no headache, cramps, irritability, mood swings, or aches. This works! Thanks so much for this product!”

– Debbie W, North Carolina.

What is Zenstral PMS™?

Zenstral PMS™ is an innovative blend of natural compounds that are scientifically proven to reduce the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Unlike other PMS treatments, Zenstral addresses both the physical and psychological symptoms of PMS/PMDD in one convenient product, without the risk of dangerous side effects.

Using the principles of evidence based medicine, our physicians and pharmacologists formulated Zenstral PMS™ after months of reviewing the results of university research studies worldwide. The result is a powerful nutraceutical that is as effective as other PMS remedies—and safer.†

Who should take Zenstral PMS™?
Zenstral PMS™ is recommended for women suffering fromgeneral PMS-related symptoms

cyclical mood symptoms of PMS including irritability, tension, depression
lower back and joint pain associated with PMS
fluid retention associated with PMS
breast tenderness associated with PMS

What are the ingredients in Zenstral PMS™?

Each caplet contains 20 mg of Vitex agnus castus (.3% casticin), 200 mg of magnesium oxide (MgO), and 50 mg of vitamin B6 (pyroxidine)..

The Vitex agnus castus (VAC) compound used in Zenstral is casticin, a flavonoid from the chasteberry. This is the same substance used in the clinical studies that show Vitex agnus castus to be effective. Nearly all other products on the market standardize to agnuside, a terpene compound from the chasteberry tree.

How does Zenstral PMS™ work?

The natural compounds in Zenstral work on many of the biochemical mechanisms that contribute to PMS:†

Vitex Agnus Castus Extract (VAC):VAC acts on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, a set of complex interactions between three hormone-producing organs. It also reduces stress-induced prolactin levels by simulating the effects of dopamine in the brain (dopamine agonist).6 In addition, VAC has been found to elevate beta-endorphin and opiod levels, naturally occurring substances that decrease pain and create a feeling of calm and well-being.7,8

Magnesium: Low levels of red-cell magnesium have been correlated with symptoms of PMS.9 This is the rationale for supplementation with magnesium and has resulted in a number of studies on magnesium supplementation in women suffering from PMS.

Vitamin B6: Also called pyroxidine, vitamin B6 has a positive effect on levels of neurotransmitters such as serontonin, norepinephrine, histamine, dopamine, and taurine.10

What is evidence-based medicine?

Evidence based medicine (EBM) involves examining a broad spectrum of evidence—such as meta-analyses, systematic reviews of existing research, randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, and other methods of inquiry—to make decisions about patient care and treatment.

EBM is rapidly becoming the new paradigm in health care, replacing the older authority-based model where the value of a medical treatment (and sometimes its availability) was based on the work of a limited number of experts.

To learn more about evidence based medicine, a non-profit organization called the Cochrane Collaboration (www.cochrane.org) is an excellent place to begin.

What is a meta-analysis?

A meta-analysis involves collecting data from many similar research studies, then analyzing the pooled data for statistical significance.

What evidence was used in formulating Zenstral PMS™?

Below is a representative sample of the scientific evidence used in formulating Zenstral PMS™:

Vitex Agnus Castus Extract (VAC)

A recent double-blind, randomized controlled trial published in the British Medical Journal demonstrated a 52 percent reduction in PMS symptoms in women treated with dry extract of agnus castus fruit.11 Similar results were obtained in another study published in the Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics.12

Another recent study found Vitex agnus castus extract to be as effective as fluoxetine for the treatment of PMDD, a more severe form of PMS. The authors reported that 57.9 percent of patients responded to VAC extract in the treatment of this disorder, and also found that VAC extract was more effective than fluoxetine in treating the physical symptoms of PMDD.13

German health authorities have approved the use of chasteberry for three gynecological conditions: menstrual cycle irregularity, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and mastodynia (breast pain).14

Magnesium

A recent randomized, double-blind crossover study concluded that magnesium works synergistically with vitamin B6 to relieve anxiety symptoms associated with PMS.15

Vitamin B6

The British Medical Journal did a meta-analysis of vitamin B6 in the treatment of PMS and concluded that it was likely to be beneficial in treating premenstrual symptoms and premenstrual depression.16

Who should not take Zenstral PMS™?

Consult a physician before use if you are pregnant, nursing, taking birth control pills, have a hormone-sensitive medical condition such as breast cancer, or are taking dopamine-related medications.

How much should I take?

The typical dosage is one caplet twice daily. Take Zenstral™ every day of the month, not only when you’re having symptoms. It needs to reach and maintain therapeutic levels in the body to work.

When will it start to work?

With daily use, Zenstral™ will reach therapeutic levels in your system within three to four weeks, so you should feel relief by the second cycle. In contrast, prescription antidepressants take at least a month to start working and don’t address the physical symptoms of PMS.

What are the possible side effects?

No serious side effects have been reported for the ingredients in Zenstral PMS™. Data from clinical trials, post-marketing surveillance studies, spontaneous reporting systems, manufacturers, and herbalist organizations indicate that the compounds in Zenstral PMS™ are generally well tolerated, and that any adverse events following VAC treatment are mild and reversible.17 Possible side effects include nausea, gastrointestinal discomfort, headache, or pruritus.11,12,13,15,16,17,18

Consult a physician if you experience any of these side effects or use this product longer than six months. Discontinue use and consult a physician if an allergic reaction occurs.

No drug interactions have been reported. However, because of Zenstral’s mode of action, consult your physician before use if you are taking dopamine-related medications.

What is the NPA TruLabel Program?

The Natural Products Association (NPA) TruLabel program is the industry’s most expansive and successful self-regulatory program.

University Health Industries and other NPA members voluntarily pay for random monitored tests of their products by independent laboratories. If a test reveals any deficiency in product quality or accuracy in labeling, NPA immediately alerts the member company and expects it to take corrective action. NPA revokes the membership of any company that does not comply.

What is your guarantee?

University Health Industries’ products are backed by our 100% money-back guarantee for first-time orders. If for any reason you are not completely satisfied with your order, simply return it within 30 days and we’ll issue you a full refund of your purchase price, less shipping and handling.

Who is University Health Industries, Inc?

Every year, research labs around the globe identify and test natural compounds with the potential to improve human health—yet more than 98% of these discoveries are never commercialized for the benefit of the public.

University Health Industries, Inc. (OTC:UVHI), in collaboration with universities worldwide, researches natural compounds with clinically proven efficacy, identifies those with the greatest potential for enhancing human life, then develops them into patented nutraceutical products for treating common chronic ailments.

Our mission is to make the latest clinical discoveries in natural compounds available to consumers, delivered in patented pharmaceutical-grade formulations with guaranteed quality and potency.

UHI is a proud American company with offices and manufacturing facilities in Boca Raton, Florida. All of our products are GMP-approved and made in the United States to ensure they adhere to standards the American public can trust.

What other nutraceuticals are available from UHI?

UHI will introduce three new products in the coming weeks , each developed with the same quality and efficacy standards as Zenstral PMS™:

Arthroleve ULT™ for bone and joint pain †
Premium SAMe ULT™ for mood support†
Cold & Flu RMD™ for immune system support and relief from the common cold†

 

References

1 Mortola J. Premenstrual syndrome-pathophysiologic considerations. N Engl J Med. 1998; 338:256-7.

2 Chrousos GP, Torpy DJ, Gold PW. Interactions between the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the female reproductive system: Clinical implications. Ann Intern Med. 1998;129:229-40.

3 Wyatt KM, Dimmock PW, O’Brien PM. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors for premenstrual syndrome. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2002;(4):CD 001396.

4 Wyatt KM, Dimmock PW, Ismail KM, Jones PW, O’brien PM. The effectiveness of GnRHa with and without ‘add-back’ therapy in treating premenstrual syndrome: a meta analysis. BJOG, 2004 Jun;111(6):585-93.

5 Krasnik C, Montori VM, Guyatt GH, Heels-Ansdell D, Brusse JW; Medically Unexplained Syndromes Study Group. The effect of bright light therapy on depression associated with premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Am J Gynecol. 2005 Sep;193(3 Pt 1):658-61.

6 Merz PG, Gorkow C, Schordter A, Rietbrock S, Sider C, Loew D, Dericks–Tan JSE, Taubert HD. The effects of special Agnus castus extract (BP 109E1) on prolactin secretion in healthy male subjects. Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes. 1996;104:447-53.

7 Brugisser R, Burkard W, Simmen U, Schaffner W. Untersuchungen an Opiod-Rezeptorin mit Vitex agnus-castus L. Z Phytother. 1999;20:140-58.

8 Samochowic L, Glaesmer R, Samochowic J. EifluBvon Monchspfeffer auf die konzentration von beta-Endorphin im Serum weiblicher Ratten. Arztez Naturheilverfahren. 1998;39:213-215.

9 Rosenstein DL, Elin RJ, Hosseini JM, et al. Magnesium measures across the menstrual cycle in premenstrual women. Biol Psychiatry. 1994;35:557-61.

10 Schindler R, Thoni H, Classen HG. The role of magnesium in the generation and therapy of benign muscle cramps. Combined in vivo/in vitro studies on rat phrenic nerve-diaphragm preparations. Arneimittel-Forschung. 1998;48:161-66.

11 Schellenberg, et al. Treatment for the premenstrual syndrome with agnus castus fruit extract: prospective, randomized, placebo controlled study. BMJ. 2001;322;134-7

12 Berger D, Schaffner W, Schrader E, Meier B, Brattstrom A. Efficacy of Vitex agnus castus L. extract Ze 440 in patients with pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS). Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2000; 264:150-53.

13 Atmaca M, Selahattin K, Texcan E. Fluoxetine versus Vitex agnus castus extract in the treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Human Psychopharmacol Clin Exp. 2003;18:191-5.

14 Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A, et al. The complete German Commission E. monographs: therapeutic guide to herbal medicines. Austin TX. American Botanical Council. 1998, p1694.

15 De Souza M, Walker A, Robinson P, Bolland K. A synergistic effect of daily supplement for 1 month of 200mg magnesium plus 50mg vitamin B6 for the relief of anxiety-related premenstrual symptoms: a randomized, double-blind, crossover study. Journal of Womens Health & Gender-Based Medicine. 2000 Mar;9(2)131-3.

16 Wyatt K, Dimmock P, Jones P, Shaughn O’brien PM. Efficacy of vitamin B-6 in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome: systemic review. BMJ. 1999; 318:1375-81.

17 Daniele C, Thompson J, Pittler MH, Ernst E. Vitex agnus castus: a systematic review of adverse events. Drug Saf. 2005;28(4):319-32.

18 Walker A, De Souza M, Vickers M, Abeyasekera S, Collins M, Trinca L. Magnesium supplementation alleviates premenstrual symptoms of fluid retention. Journal of Women’s Health. 1998 Nov;7(9):1157-65.

19 Proctor M, Murphy P. Herbal dietary therapies for primary and secondary dysmenorrhoea (Cochrane review). The Cochrane Library, Issue 2, 2002. Oxford: update software.

† These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Dr. Jarret Morrow, MD, is the president of University Health Industries (OTC:UVHI). Dr. Morrow received his Doctor of Medicine from The University of Alberta in June 2001 and prior to that, received his Bachelor of Science with Specialization in Pharmacology with Distinction, also from The University of Alberta, in June 1997.

Dr. Morrow has been a distinguished presenter at numerous scientific and medical conferences worldwide, generally involving various areas of psychiatry, including anxiety disorders and the physical impact of psychological stress, and has also co-authored numerous medical research publications generally involving similar subjects. Dr. Morrow also serves as the Company’s Chief Science Officer.

For more articles by Dr. Morrow, you can visit his dietary supplement blog or the Hive Health Media blog network.


Article from articlesbase.com

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Finding Relief For PMS

  By | January 16, 2008 - 2:17 pm | Uncategorized
Leave a comment

A woman suffers greatly every month when she has Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). The physical symptoms of PMS are: acne, bloating, breast tenderness and fatigue. The emotional symptoms of PMS are: anger alternating with sadness, crying, depression, irritability, mood swings and being overly sensitive. There is no cookie-cutter treatment for PMS. Just like different women experience different symptoms and different intensities of these symptoms, finding relief for PMS can be very different. Treatment is usually a combination of exercise, emotional support, nutritional guidelines and lifestyle changes.

It is important for women diagnosed with PMS to keep a PMS diary of symptoms they experience each month and the activities they do to help relieve them. It is just as important to document the results of the treatment as it is to document the PMS symptoms.

Treatments that women may be asked to try by the medical personnel treating them may include:

* Quitting smoking

* Quitting or reducing intake of alcohol

* Exercise

* Avoiding salt intake prior to the menstrual time

* Reduce caffeine intake

* Reduce the intake of sugar especially refined sugar.

* Take supplements that include vitamins B6, E, calcium and magnesium.

A doctor may also prescribe medications to help bring relief to a woman suffering from PMS. These medications may include:

Analgesics (pain relievers) – to bring relief from headaches, menstrual cramps, and also pelvic discomfort. Analgesics prescribed may be nonsteroidal antiinflammatory medications (NSAIDs such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve, Anaprox) or mefenamic acid (Ponstel).

Antidepressants – for mood disturbances including periods of extreme saddness. Because antidepressants work on increasing brain chemicals (opioids, serotonin) levels that can be affected by the shift in ovarian hormonal levels. Antidepressants that may be prescribed are fluoxetine (Prozac) and paroxetine (Paxil).

Oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) may be prescribed to even out the ovarian hormones as especially the newer birth control pills have shown to improve hormonal fluctuations.

Ovarian suppressors – these medications such as danazol (Danocrine) are used to suppress ovarian hormone production. They cannot be used for long periods of time though due to side effects. A group of drugs called gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) have been used to bring relief to some women with PMS. These also cannot be given long-term because they can have an adverse effect on bone density and also an increased risk for bone thinning (osteoporosis). The GnRH drugs may be prescribed along with other hormone supplements.

Since treatment is symptomatic, the woman being treated for PMS is instrumental in designing the treatment plan.

Exercise has been found to reduce stress and also to reduce anger and depression. Exercise may also have a positive effect on hormones

There have been some studies that show that drinking tea and increasing dietary carbohydrates during the weeks before the menstrual period can reduce PMS symptoms. Carbohydrates are known to increase the level of neurotransmitter serotonin. Nutritionists recommend using vitamin B6, reducing alcohol, caffeine, refined sugar, salt, dairy products and also the amount of animal fats consumed in the weeks prior to menstrual flow.

It has been shown that reducing the amount of stress can have a beneficial result on the symptoms of PMS.

Natural progesterone is also a reliable treatment for PMS because it has been shown to get rid of the estrogen dominance that may be the cause of PMS. Natural progesterone comes in either vaginal or rectal form. Natural progesterone cream is not messy or drippy and the body can absorb it within minutes of application. Natural progesterone can relive PMS symptoms such as: bloating, cramping, depression, fatigue, headaches, irritability, and also weight gain.

A woman suffering from PMS has many treatment alternatives and many combinations to explore so that she can find the right one for her PMS symptom relief.


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Premenstrual Syndrome And A Woman’s Body

  By | January 16, 2008 - 2:15 pm | Uncategorized
Leave a comment

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is real. It is a physical and emotional disturbance that causes pain, mood swings, and irritability, even depression in women after they ovulate each month. They endure the suffering each and every month, year after year for as long as they are in their reproductive years (usually ages 12 – 50). That is a lot of suffering!

Different women can experience a variety of symptoms and can even experience different symptoms one month to another. The usual range of symptoms are: acne, anger alternating with sadness, appetite changes, bloating, breast tenderness, crying, depression, fatigue, food cravings, irritability, mood swings and being emotionally overly sensitive. The symptoms are a combination of emotional ones and physical ones. They all feel like they are out of control “things” that are happening to the woman.

These symptoms can have an impact on her ability to function if they are at an extreme level. The physical symptoms especially (acne, bloating, breast tenderness and fatigue can make her feel physically ill to the point of not being able to function at work or at home. If these symptoms are to the extreme where the woman is unable to function she may be suffering from premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). This disorder is also called late luteal phase dysphoric disorder.

Approximately 80% of menstruating women have premenstrual symptoms. Experiencing physical or emotional symptoms does not automatically mean that the woman is suffering from PMS. A doctor diagnoses PMS based on the severity of the symptoms and the inability of the woman to function normally because of them. Approximately 20% to 30% of the 80% of women who have PMS symptoms have moderate to severe intensity of symptoms and 2% to 6% of those women are believed to have the severe variant of PMS known as PMDD.

The disorder was officially recognized by the medical community in 1931 and the term “premenstrual syndrome was coined in 1953.


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