Premenstrual Syndrome: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a hormonal disorder characterized by physical, emotional, and psychological symptoms that occur in the week leading up to menstruation, typically disappearing once the menstrual cycle starts.

The exact causes of PMS are unknown, but hormonal fluctuations, particularly the drop in estrogen and progesterone levels, are believed to contribute to its development. If left untreated, PMS can lead to various health issues, including anxiety, depression, and digestive problems. To alleviate PMS symptoms, herbal remedies such as chasteberry, ginseng, and peppermint can be used in medicinal preparations like teas, tinctures, and capsules.

However, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional before using herbal remedies, as some may interact with prescription medications or exacerbate underlying health conditions.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of premenstrual syndrome, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of premenstrual syndrome?

The main causes of premenstrual syndrome are multifactorial, but research suggests that hormonal fluctuations, particularly the decrease in estrogen and progesterone levels, are a primary contributor.

The sudden drop in these hormones can lead to changes in neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, which regulate mood, appetite, and sleep patterns. Additionally, the levels of prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that cause the uterus to contract, also increase during the premenstrual phase, contributing to physical symptoms like cramps and bloating. Other factors, including genetics, nutrition, stress, and sleep deprivation, may also play a role in the development and severity of PMS symptoms.

Studies have also identified potential genetic links, with some women carrying a variant of the estrogen receptor gene being more susceptible to PMS.

• Hormonal Fluctuations: Hormonal fluctuations, particularly the drop in estrogen and progesterone levels, are the most common cause of premenstrual syndrome as they affect neurotransmitter levels, leading to mood changes and physical symptoms.
• Serotonin Imbalance: Serotonin imbalance is a common cause of premenstrual syndrome as the decrease in serotonin levels can lead to depression, anxiety, and other mood-related symptoms.
• Magnesium Deficiency: Magnesium deficiency is a common cause of premenstrual syndrome as it can lead to muscle cramps, fatigue, and other physical symptoms.
• Estrogen Dominance: Estrogen dominance is a common cause of premenstrual syndrome as it can lead to mood changes, breast tenderness, and other symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome.
• Cortisol Imbalance: Cortisol imbalance is a common cause of premenstrual syndrome as it can lead to mood changes, fatigue, and other symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome.
• Stress: Stress is a common cause of premenstrual syndrome as it can exacerbate symptoms and trigger mood changes, physical symptoms, and other premenstrual syndrome symptoms.
• Sleep Deprivation: Sleep deprivation is a common cause of premenstrual syndrome as it can lead to fatigue, mood changes, and other symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome.
• Sugar Cravings: Sugar cravings are a common cause of premenstrual syndrome as they can lead to energy crashes, mood swings, and other symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome.
• Sodium Retention: Sodium retention is a common cause of premenstrual syndrome as it can lead to water retention, bloating, and other physical symptoms.
• Gut Bacteria Imbalance: Gut bacteria imbalance is a common cause of premenstrual syndrome as it can lead to inflammation, mood changes, and other symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for premenstrual syndrome?

The main medicinal herbs used for premenstrual syndrome are Paeonia lactiflora, Angelica sinensis, Zingiber officinale, Ginkgo biloba, Avena sativa, Vitex agnus-castus, Valeriana officinalis, Cimicifuga racemosa, Hypericum perforatum, Curcuma longa.

Paeonia lactiflora has been shown to have anti-anxiety effects, reducing symptoms of PMS, by affecting the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Angelica sinensis has been found to reduce severity of PMS symptoms by modulating the levels of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine. Zingiber officinale and Ginkgo biloba have anti-inflammatory properties, reducing prostaglandin levels and alleviating symptoms of PMS.

Avena sativa has been reported to have anxiolytic and antispasmodic effects, reducing symptoms of anxiety and cramps in women with PMS, while Vitex agnus-castus regulates menstrual cycle and Valeriana officinalis promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety, Cimicifuga racemosa reduces hot flashes and night sweats and Hypericum perforatum has antidepressant properties that reduce symptoms of PMS.

• Paeonia lactiflora: Paeonia lactiflora helps alleviate premenstrual syndrome symptoms by reducing anxiety and stress through its flavonoid and alkaloid content, which modulates the activity of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).
• Angelica sinensis: Angelica sinensis helps to alleviate premenstrual syndrome symptoms by reducing prostaglandins, which are hormone-like substances involved in pain and inflammation, through its coumarin and ferulic acid content.
• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale helps to alleviate premenstrual syndrome symptoms by reducing nausea and inflammation through its gingerol and shogaol content, which have anti-inflammatory and anti-emetic properties.
• Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba helps to alleviate premenstrual syndrome symptoms by improving blood flow and reducing inflammation through its flavonoid and terpenoid content, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Avena sativa: Avena sativa helps to alleviate premenstrual syndrome symptoms by reducing anxiety and stress through its flavonoid and fatty acid content, which modulates the activity of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine.
• Vitex agnus-castus: Vitex agnus-castus helps to alleviate premenstrual syndrome symptoms by regulating menstrual cycles and reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression through its iridoid content, which modulates the activity of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine.
• Valeriana officinalis: Valeriana officinalis helps to alleviate premenstrual syndrome symptoms by reducing anxiety and stress through its valepotriates and isovalerenol content, which modulate the activity of neurotransmitters such as GABA and serotonin.
• Cimicifuga racemosa: Cimicifuga racemosa helps to alleviate premenstrual syndrome symptoms by reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression through its triterpenoid and lignan content, which modulate the activity of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine.
• Hypericum perforatum: Hypericum perforatum helps to alleviate premenstrual syndrome symptoms by reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression through its naphthodianthrone content, which modulates the activity of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine.
• Curcuma longa: Curcuma longa helps to alleviate premenstrual syndrome symptoms by reducing inflammation and pain through its curcumin content, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

What are the main herbal preparations used for premenstrual syndrome?

The main herbal preparations used for premenstrual syndrome are Decoction, Tincture, Cream, Capsule, Suppository, Gel, Salve, Ointment, Tea, Capsules.

Decoction of cramp bark (Viburnum opulus) and licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is used to relieve cramps and mood swings. Tincture of dong quai (Angelica sinensis) is used to balance hormones and reduce symptoms of PMS. Topical creams and ointments containing wild yam (Dioscorea villosa) and black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) are used to reduce cramps and breast tenderness.

Herbal capsules and teas containing chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus) are used to regulate menstrual cycles and alleviate mood swings.

• Decoction: A decoction of Angelica sinensis helps with premenstrual syndrome due to its high levels of ferulic acid, which has been shown to reduce anxiety and improve mood.
• Tincture: A tincture of Hypericum perforatum, also known as St. John's Wort, helps with premenstrual syndrome due to its high levels of hypericin, which has been shown to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.
• Cream: A cream containing Zingiber officinale, or ginger, helps with premenstrual syndrome due to its anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce pain and discomfort associated with PMS.
• Capsule: A capsule containing Vitex agnus-castus, or chasteberry, helps with premenstrual syndrome due to its ability to regulate hormonal imbalances and reduce symptoms of PMS.
• Suppository: A suppository containing Valeriana officinalis, or valerian root, helps with premenstrual syndrome due to its sedative properties, which can reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
• Gel: A gel containing Passiflora incarnata, or passionflower, helps with premenstrual syndrome due to its anxiolytic properties, which can reduce symptoms of anxiety and promote relaxation.
• Salve: A salve containing Calendula officinalis, or marigold, helps with premenstrual syndrome due to its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties, which can reduce pain and discomfort associated with PMS.
• Ointment: An ointment containing Arnica montana, or arnica, helps with premenstrual syndrome due to its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties, which can reduce pain and discomfort associated with PMS.
• Tea: A tea containing Crataegus monogyna, or hawthorn, helps with premenstrual syndrome due to its adaptogenic properties, which can reduce stress and promote relaxation.
• Capsules: Capsules containing Bacopa monnieri, or brahmi, help with premenstrual syndrome due to its adaptogenic and anxiolytic properties, which can reduce symptoms of anxiety and improve mood.