Review on treatment of premenstrual syndrome: from conventional to alternative approach

Abstract

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is the most common problem associated with women's health. Most women take alternative therapies for the treatment of PMS along with conventional therapies. A literature search was conducted which investigated various conventional and alternative therapies for the treatment of PMS. Web- and manual-based literature surveys were conducted to assess the information available on conventional and alternative treatment of PMS. Pubmed, Scopus, and Google scholar databases were screened, using the terms 'PMS and its management', 'pharmacotherapy of PMS', 'Alternative therapies for the treatment of PMS'. Publications with abstract/full articles and books were reviewed. Based on the available literature, there have been randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and high levels of evidence studies. The review addressed that drosperinone with ethinylestradiol has shown great improvement in symptoms of PMS in various RCTs. Among the alternative therapies use of micronutrients and herbs were found effective in treatment for symptoms of PMS.

The Association between the Risk of Premenstrual Syndrome and Vitamin D, Calcium, and Magnesium Status among University Students: A Case Control Study

“… 15 Emerging line of evidence have found decreased Ca levels during ovulation in relation to the luteal phase, while a number of reports revealed decreases in 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels during the span of the menstrual cycle itself. 16 Consuming Ca supplement resulted in significant decreases in somatic symptoms such as headache, joint pain, and some emotional disorders like appetite changes, depression, and sleep disorders in women with PMS. 17…”

Curcumin attenuates severity of premenstrual syndrome symptoms: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

“…Due to side effects of chemical drugs, except in severe cases, chemical drugs consumption is not recommended for treating PMS. Today, more women were found to prefer complementary and herbal medicine treatments of PMS symptoms [1,4,5,[40][41][42].…”

Prevalence of premenstrual syndrome and its association with psychosocial and lifestyle variables: a cross-sectional study from Palestine

“…It is recommended to reduce or eliminate the intake of salt, caffeine, chocolate, tobacco, and alcohol, consume small frequent meals rich in complex carbohydrates, and take vitamins and minerals moderately [ 3 ]. Herbs are commonly used for treating PMS symptoms [ 16 ].…”