Premenstrual syndrome is a disorder that affects 80 percent of women of childbearing age, according to Katrin Raschke, a nutritionist with the German Institute of Nutritional Medicine and Dietetics. Recent studies show that evening primrose oil and vitamin B6 can relieve the discomfort before the “days.”
Disturbance of the hormonal balance as a cause
The complaints occur in the second half of the menstrual cycle and range from pain in the abdomen and back to skin changes as well as mood swings and digestive disorders. The causes of these complaints are varied and largely unexplained. Above all, a disturbance of the hormonal balance seems to play a significant role.
Remedy through evening primrose oil
Recent studies have been able to show that women with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) have more linoleic acid in their blood than women who do not suffer from this disorder. Among other things, the body converts linoleic acid to gamma-linolenic acid and further to important tissue hormones. Women who suffer from PMS make fewer tissue hormones despite their elevated levels of linoleic acid. Decreased levels of these can be responsible for a number of symptoms.
Recent studies show that the intake of evening primrose oil, which is high in gamma-linolenic acid, can alleviate or resolve the symptoms of PMS.
Gamma-linolenic acid is rarely found in foods. Exceptions are certain vegetable oils such as borage oil. Dietary supplementation with gamma-linolenic acid can make a significant contribution to restoring the undisturbed formation of prostaglandins. Appropriate dietary supplements are available in pharmacies.
Vitamin B deficiency
As another cause of PMS symptoms, scientists discuss an insufficient supply of vitamin B6. This vitamin plays a role in the creation of the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine, which have a strong influence on mood. Low serotonin levels are associated with depressive moods.
Hormonal imbalance can also empty the vitamin B6 stores in the liver and interfere with the formation of serotonin and dopamine. Administration of vitamin B6 reduced PMS symptoms in several recent studies. Vitamin B6 is found in many foods, especially fish, whole grains, vegetables, and meat.
