PMS-FAST
Approximately 75-80% of women experience at least one symptom of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), which can be a constellation of behavioural changes, physical changes, and/or emotional changes a few days before menstruation begins. PMS symptoms may include fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, depression, irritability, mood swings, muscle tension/cramping, headache, mastalgia (breast pain), sensitivity to cold, acne, bloating, and abdominal pain. Symptoms that interfere with daily activities or cause distress may indicate that someone has Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), which is a more severe form of PMS.
Chasteberry
Vitex is one of the herbs for PMS. Other names include: chasteberry, chaste tree berry, and vitex agnus-castus. It comes from a shrub-like tree native to the Mediterranean and Central Asia. The fruit (berry) of this tree has traditionally been used for addressing complaints related to female hormones and menstruation. Vitex itself is not a hormone, nor does it contain any hormones. The therapeutic effects of vitex are due to the indirect effects it has on different hormones and mood chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the body.
Due to the effect vitex has on the pituitary gland, increasing the release of luteinizing hormone (LH), this promotes ovulation and raising progesterone levels. This effect will balance out the estrogen and progesterone ratio making vitex beneficial for PMS.
Vitex also has an effect on dopamine, and possibly acetylcholine and opioid receptors. The general action of Vitex is the balancing of female sex hormones oestrogen and progesterone and their interaction with the pituitary gland, which is responsible for releasing follicular stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). Both FSH and LH play important roles in menstruation. More FSH is secreted during the follicular phase prior to ovulation (the midway point of a menstrual cycle), and more LH is secreted after ovulation during the luteal phase. PMS/PMDD symptoms manifest at the end of the luteal phase, right before menses begins. Vitex, through a variety of its own phytochemicals like flavonoids, diterpenes, and glycosides, is able to modulate these hormones in addition to neurotransmitters, activation of the body’s internal opioid system (by reducing prolactin levels, which are elevated during premenstrual syndrome. It may also act on the opioid system by releasing beta-endorphins, something the human body lacks during premenstrual syndrome), and other pathways related to pain and inflammation.
Several studies have validated the amazing effects of the extract. In clinical trials for the treatment of PMS, chasteberry reduced some symptoms, especially breast pain or tenderness, oedema, constipation, irritability, depressed mood, anger, and headache. The German Commission E has approved the use of Chaste Tree extract for the treatment of PMS. It is widely used in Germany and in Europe.
Black Cohosh
More than two centuries ago, Native Americans discovered that the root of the black cohosh plant (Actaea racemosa, formerly known as Cimicifuga racemosa) helped relieve menstrual cramps and menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, irritability, mood swings, and sleep disturbances. Today, people use black cohosh for these same reasons. This plant is very anti-inflammatory and wonderful at reducing spasm in both the smooth muscles, but also the skeletal muscles associated with menstrual cramping pain that radiates to the lower back and down the thighs. It is best used a few days prior to the onset of menstruation and through menstruation, if necessary.
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In a recent study, 93% of women who took chasteberry supplements over three consecutive months reported a significant improvement in PMS symptoms. Pelvic discomfort, irritability, premenstrual acne, and food cravings all improved notably.
Red Raspberry Leaf
Red Raspberry Leaf has been used traditionally to stabilize irregular periods, stop cramps, and help with nausea and mood swings.
Due to its astringent nature and ability to strengthen smooth tissues, Red Raspberry Leaf has been studied to benefit uterine health. It helps relieve PMS symptoms and can help make your periods less painful. Raspberry leaves contain a plant compound called “fragarine,” which helps tone and tighten muscles in the pelvic area and, therefore, might reduce the menstrual cramping caused by the spasms of these muscles. It has been used to reduce menstrual cramps for centuries. Studies have shown that raspberry leaf can act as a relaxant in the gastrointestinal tract. This can result in reduced cramping during menstruation.
Peony
Peony is a hormone modulator, regulating signals between the brain and the ovaries to encourage healthy menstrual cycles. This herb also has anti-inflammatory, spasmolytic, and analgesic properties – meaning peony is beneficial in reducing PMS related symptoms such as menstrual cramping and breast tenderness.
PMS-Fast contains selected ingredients proven to help with the symptoms of PMS. PMS Fast reduces breast tenderness, relieves menstrual cramps, reduces irritability, helps stabilize irregular periods, stops cramps and helps with mood swings.
Magnesium Biglycinate
Magnesium and premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
According to a recent literature review, magnesium is an evidence-based treatment for PMS. Some researchers propose that it may work by calming the nervous system and by “normalizing the actions of different hormones (mainly progesterone) on the central nervous system”.
Magnesium may help to prevent period pain
Taken daily, magnesium may prevent dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps) in some people. It works by relaxing the smooth muscle of the uterus and by reducing the prostaglandins that cause period pain.
Magnesium promotes healthy oestrogen clearance
By supporting the COMT enzyme (catechol-o-methyltransferase) in the liver, magnesium promotes the healthy excretion of oestrogen. This may reduce the risk of the oestrogen excess conditions (such as fibroids) associated with low COMT function.
Magnesium can reduce stress
Magnesium calms the nervous system and reduces the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. The result is less anxiety, less cortisol, and a better capacity to cope with stress. Reduced stress can, in turn, have positive effects on your menstrual cycle and health.
Did you know?
One of the oldest surviving medical texts (c 1800 BC) describes obvious recognisable PMS symptoms, period pains, lower back pain and migraines associated with heavy bleeding.
Each 400mg Vegi-Cap contains: Chasteberry 100mg; Black Cohosh 100mg; Red Raspberry Leaf 100mg; Mag Biglycinate 50mg; Peony Flower 50mg. Contains no preservatives or fillers.
