Chapter 1
PMS ... A Treatable Problem
There are those who feel that premenstrual syndrome, commonly referred
to as PMS, is not physically real but rather a symptom that is
psychosomatic ("all in the mind").
We absolutely disagree with that misbelief.
What is PMS?
Premenstrual Syndrome is a hormonal disorder characterized by widely
varying physical and emotional symptoms. It usually occurs before the
menstrual period but can occur anytime during the cycle. The symptoms of
PMS usually improve once the menstrual period begins, followed by a
relatively symptom-free period of time after menses.
PMS isn't just another name for menstrual cramps or simple premenstrual
tension. By analyzing the body as a whole, you can get a clearer
understanding of what the actual causes of the PMS are. In our practice,
we usually obtain a full history and physical examination as well as a
blood and hair analysis during the first visit. By the conclusion of the
second visit where we usually test for allergies, candidiasis, and assess
thyroid & hormonal imbalances, most patients know the causes of their
PMS and other related problems. They also learn the type of treatments to
be utilized to help them get well.
An important point to remember is that PMS usually isn't any one
particular disorder. As a syndrome or a characteristic collection of
symptoms, it represents several problems interrelating in such a way as to
cause different symptoms in different women depending upon their specific
hormonal/nutritional imbalances, and the status of their immune system.
In fact, many of the symptoms commonly described as PMS are similar to
those commonly associated with Candida albicans (yeast) infections,
hypoglycemia, allergies, low thyroid as well as other conditions described
in this booklet. Is it any wonder that even some highly skilled doctors
find the diagnosis and treatment of specific symptoms difficult and often
frustrating? It has been my experience that no long-term relief can be
attained by merely treating symptoms or masking them with drugs. It is my
opinion that the entire PMS disorder spectrum has to be treated as a whole
with each of the contributing components addressed. Only in treating the
entire system can the physician help the patient on a long term basis.
What are the symptoms of PMS?
While more than 150 symptoms have been associated with PMS, Table I lists
some of most common ones, and Table 2 lists some of the conditions that
PMS can aggravate. Please keep in mind that although an individual may
exhibit some or many of these symptoms, it is not conclusive evidence that
they are suffering from PMS. In order to make that determination, a
differential diagnosis is required by a trained physician.
How many women have PMS?
It is estimated that over 50% of all women who menstruate experience PMS.
At least 30% of these women's PMS symptoms are severe enough to seriously
disrupt both their personal and professional lives.
TABLE 1:
Possible Signs, Symptoms and Conditions
Commonly Related to PMSThese symptoms, like others mentioned in this book,
require the expertise of a physician to diagnose their exact cause. It
should be emphasized that many illnesses and disease conditions have
identical symptoms.
Abdominal bloating Fluid retention
Acne Food "binges"
Allergies Forgetfulness
Anxiety Frequcnt colds
Asthma Headachcs
Asthma/bronchitis Hostility
Backaches Hot flashes
Boils and sties Increased appetite
Bowel disorders Irritability
Breast tenderness Loneliness/sadness
and/or swelling Low self-esteem
Brittle fingernails Mental confusion
Cervical problems Migraine
Clumsiness Muscle spasms
Cold sores Painful menses
Craving sweets/ Panic attacks
chocolates Poor concentration
Craving salt Recurrent urinary
Crying for no reason tract infections
Cystitis Seizures
Depression Shortness of breath
Dizziness Sinus problems
Endometriosis Swelling of joints
Excessive sweating Tension
Eye problems Vaginal discharge
Fainting Weight gain
Fatigue
Fibrocystic breast
disease
How can I find out if I have PMS?
Because the symptoms of PMS are so individual and variable, it cannot be
diagnosed solely through laboratory tests. You are the best person to
start a preliminary diagnosis. Then, with the help of an understanding
physician, a clinical diagnosis can be made based on your report of signs
and symptoms.
The best way to determine if you are suffering from PMS is to keep a
daily record of exactly what your symptoms are, and when they occur, for a
minimum of three consecutive menstrual cycles. We can then determine from
that record if your symptoms are indeed related to your menstrual cycles,
or if they have their origin elsewhere (see the Daily Symptom record in
Appendix A).
What causes or contributes to PMS?
Although the exact causes of PMS have not been determined, many doctors
feel PMS can be aggravated by those conditions included in Table 2.
*****************************************************
Many of the related conditions that aggravate PMS
(such as hidden food or environmental allergies,low
thyroid or yeast infections) can also bring on other
health imbalances by weakening the immune system.
*****************************************************
What can be done about PMS?
Because the practice of Naturopathic medicine is an art as well as a
science, it is important that we work together to find the treatment that
works best for you, your particular symptoms and personal lifestyle.
Depending on your individual symptoms and their severity, you may be
advised to consider dietary modification, therapeutic natural medicines,
physical and physio-therapies, exercise, stress reduction and the use of
natural progesterone.
Natural medicines are available at our clinic to help PMS sufferers
accomplish the therapies outlined by the physician. These therapies are
based upon a woman's individual needs as ascertained through blood and
hair analysis, thyroid studies, and other Naturopathic Medicine diagnostic
procedures and our clinical experience.
In some PMS cases we may prescribe natural progesterone to
supplement the patient's own production of progesterone. Widely prescribed
in England since 1948, progesterone is one of the two primary female
hormones.
Natural progesterone is derived from natural plant sources and
is non-toxic.
*********************** NOTE *************************
Although the names sound similar, don't make the
mistake of confusing natural progesterone with
progestagens (synthetic progesterone derivatives).
Used in oral contraceptives or prescribed individually,
progestagens (under various proprietary names such as
Amen® or Provera® also known generically as
medroxyprogesterone) probably will not relieve PMS
symptoms. They can actually lower the amount of
(natural) progesterone in the blood, thus intensifying
PMS. Furthermore, PMS (if left untreated) can develop
into menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and
excessive sweating (see Chapter 5).
******************************************************
TABLE 2:
Some Major Aggravators of PMS
(These conditions, like others mentioned in this book,
require the expertise of a physician to diagnose their
exact cause. It should be emphasized that many illnesses
and disease conditions have identical symptoms.)
* Chronic yeast infections(Candidiasis)
* Debilitated immune system
* Excess prolactin (a pituitary hormone)
* Excessive emotional or physical stresses
* Food allergies and/or chemical sensitivities
* Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
* "Junk food" diet
* Long-term use of antibiotics
and/or steroids (such as prednisone).
* Low thyroid function
* Low adrenal gland function
* Low exposure to sunlight
* Obesity
* Poor absorption, digestion and elimination
* Progesterone deficiency
* Relative estrogen surplus in
relation to progesterone
* Underactive (sluggish) liver function.
* Vitamin, mineral and enzyme
deficiencies or imbalances
* Toxin buildup in liver and bowels
* Amino acid deficiencies or imbalances
We firmly agree with Dr. W.C. Douglass, M.D. who states: "It is
shocking to know that there are many doctors who are confused about
progesterone. These doctors erringly believe 'progesterone' is found in
birth control pills. It simply isn't! Instead, birth control pills and
other synthetic hormones contain possible cancer-causing agents called
progestagens which the drug companies pass off to many doctors as being
the same as progesterone. Natural progesterone, not progestagen,
offers protection from the disagreeable side effects of estrogens.
Progestagens actually increase the problems caused by estrogens.
That is why progesterone is so effective in relieving the pain and
suffering of PMS and menopause." [1].
What is Endometriosis and how does it react to Estrogen?
Endometriosis is the presence of endometrial (uterine lining) tissue in
abnormal locations such as in the uterus wall or the bladder wall.
Endometrial cells, normally found only in the lining of the uterus, are
exquisitely sensitive to estrogen stimulation. It is this tissue of the
human body that has now been shown most commonly to turn cancerous when
overdosed with estrogen. Endometriosis is extremely difficult to control,
and may cause hemorrhaging and severe pain. Like fibroids, mild or
moderate endometriosis usually clears up when menopause takes place. But
supplemental estrogens make endometriosis worse. Some authorities, such as
Somers Sturgis, maintain that a history of endometriosis should be a
contraindication to ERT (Estrogen Replacement Therapy). Many physicians
prescribe estrogen even before asking their patients if they have any such
history. [2] There are better ways to naturally help this condition.
***An Important Note About Endometriosis***
If you suffer from ENDOMETRIOSIS, you will be relieved to know that this
condition can be helped by natural progesterone, thyroid, as well as other
natural medicines as indicated by your doctor.
------------ SOME FACTS ABOUT ESTROGEN ---------------
Did you know that...
*Since September 1977, drug companies are required to give
doctors and pharmacists brochures with warnings that estrogens
increase the risk of cancer. They must also advise doctors that estrogen
not be prescribed for nervousness, depression or for "restoring
youthfulness" during menopause because it is ineffective for
those purposes! [3]
*Premarin® generically means conjugated estrogens from pregnant-
mares-urine. This form of estrogen comes from the urine
of pregnant horses. Premarin a can intensify allergies to horses and
other animals.
*There are millions of women in this country using Premarin® and other
estrogens not fully realizing the possible devastating implications of
using these synthetic drugs.
Dr. Katharina Dalton, M.D., one of the world's foremost authorities on natural
progesterone, has found that premenstrual symptoms such as painful
menses, hot flashes and bloating result from a relative estrogen
surplus and progesterone deficiency.
*Scientist and hormone researcher Dr. Ray Peat, Ph.D. states: "The
symptoms of menopause result mainly from a progesterone deficiency
relative to the estrogens." [4]
In 1979, menopausal flushing was found to be associated with an
elevation of the pituitary hormone "LH" (Luteinizing Hormone). A
lack in progesterone is known to cause a rise in LH.
**************************************
Many studies have established a clear
link between long term estrogen usage
and cancer of the uterus and breast.
**************************************
*Estrogen use causes an increased rate of heart attacks. It causes a
magnesium deficiency as well as a decreased level of folic acid, vitamin
B6 and zinc which promotes clotting and abnormal fat accumulation, anemia
and PMS. [5]
*Estrogens probably do not prevent osteoporosis ("brittle
bones") or help calcium supplementation in laying down new bone.
Chronic estrogen use may even hamper the process. "Estrogen
doesn't restore bone mass to a degree demonstrable by roentgenography
(x-rays) and may aggravate bone loss by stimulating the release of
growth hormone." [6]
*A person who has had a hysterectomy can still have some PMS symptoms
or menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes.
After a woman has a hysterectomy and/or her breast(s) removed (in
many cases due to years of estrogen use) her specialist usually
prescribes an estrogen suppressing drug such as Danazol® because excess
estrogen use can cause cancer"!
* Estrogens (Premarin®, birth control pills), sulfa drugs (such as
Bactrim® or Septra®), prednisone, and cigarettes can all lower thyroid
function.
*Chronic estrogen use over a period of years can possibly cause
degenerative diseases, including cancer, to manifest up to 20 years after
taking such carcinogens. Because of the length of time between taking the
estrogen and onset of diseases, many physicians and patients do not
suspect estrogen and synthetic progesterone derivatives as a possible
primary cause of cancer or other degenerative diseases.
Estrogens had been used in the beef and poultry industry to help fatten
the livestock so that they will weigh more and therefore be worth more at
market. Estrogens (i.e. Premarin® can cause women to swell up and also
put on weight. This weight gain will probably not respond to dieting.)
Most synthetic prescription drugs are derived from coal tar (or
petrochemicals) and, when used over a long period of time, may cause
harmful side effects. It is very important for the patient to know why a
drug is being given and what the adverse side effects may be. We recommend
that our patients get a copy of the "Physician's Desk Reference"
(PDR), available at any bookstore, along with a medical dictionary. Then
read the facts before taking any prescription drug. A pharmacist may be
very helpful in describing the side effects and drug characteristics among
strong synthetic chemical prescription drugs.
According to Dr. Robert Mendelsohn, M.D., studies have established a
clear link between estrogen treatment and endometrial (uterine) cancer. He
states that "the risk of cancer is of great concern to a woman who
undergoes natural menopause but not, of course, to one experiencing
post-hysterectomy menopause, because her uterus is no longer intact. Of
concern to her, however, is the possibility of increased risk of cancer of
the breast."
"A number of scientific studies have associated the use of
estrogen therapy with an increased incidence of cancer of the breast. No
responsible authority has yet been willing to state positively that
estrogens cause cancer of the breast, nor has any responsible authority
been able to prove that they don't."
"Given the possibility that estrogens may be causing breast
cancer, you would suppose that doctors would stop prescribing them until
the question is resolved. Instead they continue to observe the ridiculous
and deadly principle that drugs are innocent until proven guilty beyond a
shadow of a doubt." [7]
As you can clearly tell from the facts presented above, PMS NEED NOT
BE DEBILITATING! It is not one of the hopeless or
"incurable" diseases. Without a doubt, PMS is not only
uncomfortable, it can be leading factor in disturbing a normal way of
life. The answer for thousands of our patients is in prevention.
NEXT MONTH CAN BE BETTER!
Next Chapter 2 : CANDIDASIS
. . . The Yeast Infection
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