Nutritional Approaches to the Treatment of Premenstrual Syndrome

Abstract

The use of non-drug approaches to the treatment of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is reviewed. Pyridoxine (vitamin B6) in doses of 40–100 mg twice daily is now widely used, especially in less severe cases. Current views on the mechanisms involved are described. Recent work on the use of the essential fatty acid, gamma-linolenic acid, (2–3 g oil of evening primrose per day) has shown encouraging preliminary responses, and a double-blind placebo controlled study is in progress. Other nutritional approaches can be supportive, especially in milder cases but are unlikely to provide complete relief. Preliminary evidence suggests that certain allergies may deteriorate premenstrually, therefore some premenstrual benefits may be gained by identifying and avoiding the relevant substances.