Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) consists of several different symptoms that occur 7 to 10 days before menstruation. The most common symptoms are irritability, bloating, aggressiveness, mastodynia and headaches. PMS is more prevalent among woman working outside the home, alcoholics and women with toxemic tendency. It is probably familial.
During the middle age of a woman’s life cycle, several health changes and problems may occur. Therefore, middle aged women must manage their health and maintain quality of life by coping with bodily changes. Physiologic changes, directly related to menopausal hormone changes, often impact sexual function, both directly and indirectly. The findings of one study support the relationship between a prior history of PMS and a more problematic menopause transition.
Vitamin Support
Vitamin B6 is required in the synthesis of neurotransmitters (serotonin from tryptophan and dopamine from tyrosine). It is also needed for the processing of essential fatty acids to prostaglandins.
Vitamin B6 has been shown to significantly benefit premenstrual symptoms (feelings of depression, irritability, and tiredness), when given 50 to 100 mg daily. In one study, the nutritional state of 11 women with PMS was evaluated. There was laboratory evidence of significant deficiencies in vitamin B6 and magnesium which improved with vitamin/mineral supplementation.
Vitamin C is essential in the synthesis of the connective tissue proteins, collagen and elastin. In addition, it can regenerate vitamin E as well as quench free radicals. Vitamin E is the premier lipid soluble anti oxidant.
Vitamin E may help with the normal functioning of the reproductive tract. In a double blind placebo controlled study a significant improvement in certain affective and physical symptoms was noted in subjects supplemented with vitamin E. In another study, 75 women presented with symptoms of PMS, which was scored by a written questionnaire, showed marked improvement after being supplemented with vitamin E for two months (based on the completion of a second questionnaire).
Coenzyme Q10 functions in the mitochondrial electron transport chain for ATP production and is able to regenerate alpha tocopherol from its radical.
Folate is a member of the B complex family necessary in the production of red blood cells. Study results indicate that marginal folate deficiency may alter DNA composition and that the suggested RDA may not be sufficient to maintain low homocysteine concentrations of some postmenopausal women.
Vitamin K helps stimulate osteocalcin, which is a bone protein, undergo carboxylation. This process results in carboxyl groups saturating osteocalcin, which can help strengthen bones. Researchers found that women who had daily intakes of at least 109 mcg of vitamin K were 30% less likely to suffer hip fractures than those who consumed less.
Minerals
Calcium is needed for normal hormone production, neurotransmitter action and smooth muscle responsiveness. In one study, healthy premenopausal women were screened for moderate to severe cyclically recurring premenstrual symptoms. Participants were randomly assigned to receive 1,200 mg of elemental calcium per day or placebo for three menstrual cycles. All symptoms were significantly reduced by the third supplement cycle.
Magnesium is especially required as a catalyst for many intracellular enzymatic reactions, particularly carbohydrate metabolism. Low magnesium concentration is associated with increased irritability of the nervous system, peripheral vasodilation and cardiac arrhythmia. One study showed that within 2 to 4 months of supplementation with magnesium, there was significant improvement in premenstrual mood changes. Another study, in which plasma and erythrocyte magnesium was measured in 105 patients with PMS, showed the erythrocyte magnesium concentration for the patients with PMS was significantly lower than that of a normal population. However, the plasma magnesium did not show this difference indicating an apparent cellular deficiency of magnesium.
Manganese. Premenstrual symptoms (mood and pain) have been shown to respond to manganese supplementation.
FRAC® is the trademark of Biotics Research Corporation. FRAC® supplies a natural source of plant sterols and soluble ferulic acid. Ferulic acid is believed to be the most active component identified in Gamma Oryzanol. Clinical studies have shown marked improvement of menopausal symptoms when given Gamma Oryzanol.
Herbal Supports
Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) may be an alternative to estrogen replacement for those patients in whom estrogen replacement therapy is either refused or contraindicated. Black Cohosh was widely used by the American Indians and later by American colonists for the relief of menstrual cramps and menopause. It has been suggested that the use of black cohosh may be of benefit in dysmenorrhea and menopausal symptoms.
Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis) has been shown to tone the blood and regulate the menses. It is commonly used for blood deficiency associated with menstrual disorders such as irregular menstruation, amenorrhea, and dysmenorrhea. As early as the 1920’s the effect of Dong Quai on the uterus was a subject of research. In some studies, using direct measurement of the myometrium, administration of dong quai enabled the contractions of the uterus to become more regular. The herb does not appear to have any estrogenic effect.
Glandular Support
Neonatal pituitary/hypothalamus is included as targeted glandular support. The hypothalamus is in charge of many functions, two of which are regulation of body water and regulation of uterine contractibility. Almost all secretion by the pituitary is controlled by either hormonal or nervous signals from the hypothalamus.
The anterior pituitary secretes follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) that are known to be essential for full function of the ovaries. The ovaries produce two types of sex hormones which are estrogens and progestins. The most important estrogen is the hormone estradiol and the most important progestin is progesterone. The estrogens mainly promote proliferation and growth of specific cells in the body and are responsible for the development of most secondary sexual characteristics of the female.
On the other hand, the progestins are concerned almost entirely with the final preparation of the uterus for pregnancy and the breast for lactation. The adrenal glands are composed of two distinctive parts, the adrenal medulla and the adrenal cortex.
The adrenal medulla is functionally related to the sympathetic nervous system; it secretes the hormones, epinephrine and norepinephrine in response to sympathetic stimulation. The adrenal cortex secretes two major types of adrenocortical hormones, the mineralocorticoids and the glucocorticoids.
The mineralocorticoids have gained this name because they especially effect the electrolytes of the extra cellular fluids—sodium and potassium.
The glucocorticoids have gained their name because they exhibit an important effect in increasing blood glucose concentration.
Dosage:
Six (6) Daily
Active Ingredients:
Vitamin A (as natural mixed carotenoids and acetate) (IU ratio 1:1); Vitamin C (as magnesium ascorbate); Vitamin D (as cholecalciferol); Vitamin E (as d-alpha tocopheryl acetate); Vitamin K (as phytonadione); Thiamin (B1) (as thiamin mononitrate); Riboflavin (B2); Niacin (as niacinamide); Vitamin B6 (as pyridoxine hydrochloride); Folate (as calcium folinate); Vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin); Biotin; Pantothenic Acid (as calcium pantothenate); Choline (as choline bitartrate); Calcium (as calcium citrate); Iron (as ferrous gluconate); Iodine (from kelp); Magnesium (as magnesium ascorbate, magnesium oxide); Zinc (as zinc gluconate); Selenium (from vegetable culture †); Copper (as copper gluconate); Manganese (as manganese gluconate); Chromium (from vegetable culture †); Molybdenum (from vegetable culture †); Potassium (as potassium chloride); Inositol (from rice); Coenzyme Q10 (emulsified); Citrus Bioflavonoids (from citrus fruit); FRAC® (from rice)††; L-Tyrosine; Betaine HCI; Amylase (porcine); Protease (porcine); Lipase (porcine); Neonatal Adrenal Complex Concentrate (bovine); Lamb Pituitary/Hypothalamus Complex (bovine); Ovarian Tissue (bovine); Uterine Tissue (bovine); Superoxide Dismutase (from vegetable culture †); Catalase (from vegetable culture †); Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa) (root); Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis) (root) ††FRAC® (a registered trademark of Biotics Research Corporation) is a mixture of free transferulic acid and free sterols prepared from rice bran. † Specially grown, biologically active vegetable culture containing Phytochemically Bound Trace Elements™ and naturally associated phytochemicals including polyphenolic compounds with SOD and catalase, dehydrated at low temperature to preserve associated enzyme factors.
Other Ingredients:
Stearic acid (vegetable source), cellulose, magnesium stearate (vegetable source) and food glaze.
This product is gluten and dairy free.
Quality made in the USA
Biotics produces tablets, capsules, powders and liquids in our Rosenberg, Texas, FDA-Registered, Texas Department of Health licensed, GMP-certified production and laboratory facility. Biotics products are tested in their state-of-the-art laboratory to ensure their safety, efficacy, and purity, and all Biotics Research products are gluten free.
Product Warnings:
Accidental overdose of iron-containing products is a leading cause of poisoning in children under 6. Keep this product out of reach of children. In case of accidental overdose, call a doctor or poison control center immediately.
Caution: Not recommended for pregnant or lactating women.
KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.