Vitamin E in premenstrual syndrome
Article Abstract:
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS, characterized by irritability, tension, anxiety, and physiological changes starting several days before menstruation) has been linked to nutritional factors, and one substance whose levels have been suggested to vary in PMS is vitamin E. Vitamin E supplementation has been reported to be beneficial to women suffering from PMS. Controlled studies of vitamin E levels in PMS have not been reported, however; to learn more about this issue, blood samples from 20 subjects (10 with PMS, 10 without) were analyzed at two-or three-day intervals during three menstrual cycles. Patients completed a daily diary of premenstrual complaints, a basal body temperature chart, a menstrual distress questionnaire on two days of the cycle, and were required to fulfill specific diagnostic criteria for PMS before admission into the study. No differences in vitamin E levels were seen between PMS patients and controls at any phase of the menstrual cycle. The effects of vitamin E on PMS appear to be the result of a pharmacologic action, rather than a consequence of restoring a deficient state to a normal one. At present, the reasons vitamin E may be effective in PMS are not known. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9378
Year: 1990
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An integrative medicine approach to premenstrual syndrome
Article Abstract:
The treatment of premenstrual syndrome using alternative medicine is reviewed. Topics include diet, magnesium, vitamin B6, calcium, chasteberry, evening primrose oil, black cohosh, ginkgo, St. John's wort, kava, relaxation, biofeedback, guided imagery, cognitive-behavioral therapy, group therapy, yoga, aerobic exercise, light therapy, massage, chiropractic, and homeopathy.
Publication Name: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9378
Year: 2003
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Complementary/alternative therapies for premenstrual syndrome: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials
Article Abstract:
There is no evidence that alternative therapies are effective in treating premenstrual syndrome. This was the conclusion of researchers who evaluated 7 clinical trials of herbal medicine, 1 trial of homeopathy, 13 trials of dietary supplements, and 1 trial each of relaxation, massage, reflexology, chiropractic, and biofeedback.
Publication Name: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9378
Year: 2001
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