HOMEOPATHY FOR PREMENSTRUAL SYNDROME

Premenstrual syndrome or premenstrual tension (PMT- as it has been commonly called) is characterized by a variety of physical, psychological and behavioral symptoms occurring in the second half of menstrual cycle. Typically, the symptoms start after a few days of ovulation, reach a peak about 4-5 days before menstruation and disappear usually around menstruation. The period between menstruation and next ovulation is normal.

Causes

Exactly what causes premenstrual syndrome is unknown, but several factors may contribute to the condition.

·         Cyclic changes in hormones.  Signs and symptoms of premenstrual syndrome change with hormonal fluctuations and disappear with pregnancy and menopause.

·         Chemical changes in the brain. Fluctuations of serotonin, a brain chemical (neurotransmitter) that is thought to play a crucial role in mood states, could trigger PMS symptoms. Insufficient amounts of serotonin may contribute to premenstrual depression, as well as fatigue, food cravings and sleep problems.

·         Depression. Some women with severe premenstrual syndrome have undiagnosed depression, though depression alone does not cause all of the symptoms.

Symptoms

The list of potential signs and symptoms for premenstrual is long, but most women only experience a few of these problems

Emotional and behavioral signs and symptoms

·         Tension or anxiety

·         Depressed mood

·         Crying spells

·         Mood swings and irritability or anger

·         Appetite changes and food cravings

·         Insomnia

·         Social withdrawal

·         Poor concentration

·         Change in libido

Physical signs and symptoms

·         Joint or muscle pain

·         Headache

·         Fatigue

·         Signs and symptoms of water retention such as, pedal edema, weight gain, swelling of breasts, a sense of bloating of abdomen

·         Breast tenderness

·         Acne flare-ups

·         Constipation or diarrhea

·         Alcohol intolerance

For some, the physical pain and emotional stress are severe enough to affect their daily lives. Regardless of symptom severity, the signs and symptoms generally disappear within four days after the start of the menstrual period for most women.

But a small number of women with premenstrual syndrome have disabling symptoms every month. This form of PMS is called premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)

PMDD signs and symptoms include depression, mood swings, anger, anxiety, feeling overwhelmed, difficulty concentrating, irritability and tension.

Treatment

·         Psychotherapy may be helpful in some cases where conflicts regarding menstruation and/or femininity are present.

·         Medicines for controlling water retention, anxiety and depression.

HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES

Homoeopathy today is a rapidly growing system and is being practised all over the world. It strength lies in its evident effectiveness as it takes a holistic approach towards the sick individual through promotion of inner balance  at mental, emotional, spiritual and physical levels. When premenstrual syndrome is concerned there are many effective medicines available in Homoeopathy , but the selection depends upon the individuality of the patient , considering mental and physical symptoms.

BOVISTA: Diarrhea before menses. Cannot bear tight clothing around waist. Traces of menses between menstruation. Sensitive and absent minded.

CALCAREA CARBONICUM: Breast tender and swollen before menses. Headache, colic,  chilliness, and leucorrhea before menses. Thick, milky, gushing leucorrhea. Burning and itching in genitals before and after menstruation. Apprehensive, worse towards evening. Depressed. Melancholic or doubting moods. Chilly persons. Profuse sweat, especially on the scalp. Craving for indigestible things, dirt, chalk, coal, and pencils. Suited to fat and flabby persons, who catches cold easily.

CONIUM MACULATUM: Breasts enlarge and become painful before and during menses, worse every step. Wants to press breast hard with hand. Pimples, small red, small red, burning appear with scanty menses and disappear after menses.

IGNATIA AMARA: Emotional disturbances. Highly emotional and moody.  Sighing and sobbing. Inward weeping, enjoys being sad. Silently brooding. Desire to be alone. Aversion to company. Worse from consolation. Constantly frustrated. Internal conflicts with herself. Melancholic, sad and tearful.

LACHESIS: Great mental and physical tension. Sensation of tension in various parts. Headache before menses. Headache with dim vision nad vertigo. Uterine and ovarian pains, all relieved by the flow. Cannot bear anything tight anywhere. Heat feeling in the body.  Sensation of constriction in the throat, abdomen and head. Great loquacity, rambling, frequently jumping from one subject to another, then sadness and repeats the same thing.

NATRUM MURIATICUM: Depressed and introverted. Irritable. Consolation aggravates complaints. Wants to be alone to cry. Cannot cry in front of others. Acne breakout  before menses. Oily face. Craving for salt or salty foods is characteristic to Natrum muriaticum.

PULSATILLA NIGRICANS: Changeable moods. Weeps easily. Cries easily, moved to tears before menses. Craves sympathy and company. Mild, timid, emotional and tearful. Scanty or suppressed menses. Wants cool, fresh, open air. Thirstlessness with nearly all complaints. Worse from rich foods, fats, pastries, desserts, and ice-cream.

SEPIA: Mood swings.  Irritable, sensitive and angry, easily offended and miserable. Irritability alternates with indifference or sulks. Sad over her health and domestic affairs. Aversion to indulge in any kind of physical or mental labor. Aversion to family to those loved best. Weak uterus, dragging or bearing down sensation as if everything would escape through the vagina, must cross legs to prevent protrusion or press against vagina. Acne worse before menses.

ZINCUM METALLICUM: Menses associated with restlessness, depression, coldness, spinal tenderness, and restless feet. Dry cough before and during menses. Complaints all better during menstrual flow.