Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Condition Description
Physical and behavioral symptoms that occur repeatedly a few to several days before menstruation
Common Symptoms
- Bloating, fatigue, breast tenderness, headaches, fluid retention, depression, mood swings, internal anxiety, tension, forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating, food cravings, insomnia, increased sleep, palpitations and hot flashes—some or all occurring a few to several days before menstruation
Underlying Causes
- Hormonal imbalances
- Yeast overgrowth, hypothyroidism, and nutritional deficiencies in minerals, vitamin B6, vitamin E and essential fatty acids
Traditional Approach
- For behavioral symptoms: SSRIs may be prescribed like Fluoxetine (Prozac), Paroxetine (Paxil), Sertaline (Zoloft), Fluvoxamine (Luvox), Citalopram (Celexa), Escitalopram (Lexapro) or benzodiazepines like Alprozolam (Xanax)
- For fluid retention: diuretics may be prescribed like Spironolactone (Aldactone) and Metolazone (Zaroxolyn)
- Non-steriodal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain like Naprosyn (Aleve, Naprelan), and Mefefnamic acid (Ponstel)
- Oral contraceptives like YAZ
- For severe symptoms Andogens like Danazol (Danocrine) may be prescribed
EHAC Approach
- Test for and treat any hormonal imbalances, yeast overgrowth, hypothyroidism, nutritional deficiencies (like vitamins B6 and E or magnesium or omega 6 essential fatty acids)
- Lifestyle modification like exercise and relaxation
Success Stories
Condition Treated:
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Symptoms:
PMS, Fatigue, Depression, Sore Breasts, Yeast Infections, Sinus Problems
Initials:
M. G.
Age:
33 years female
Story:
I came to Dr. Sultan because I was always feeling so bad. I thought there had to be more to life. I had severe PMS (fatigue, depression, sore breasts. I always had what I thought was a yeast infection, but the doctors told me I didn’t have one. I took every sinus pill on the market. I was miserable. My husband was miserable. I have been treated for Candida, vitamins (I had low thyroid already) and I also needed progesterone supplements. It took some time and a lot of “needles”, but it was well worth it. I feel so much happier and just better. My outlook on life has completely changed from the first time I came in this office.
Condition Treated:
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Symptoms:
Bloating, Constipation, Diarrhea, Cramping, Food Cravings, PMS Fatigue
Initials:
J.W.
Age:
????
Story:
I came to Dr. Sultan after years of experiencing uncomfortable reactions to eating (which I love to do!). I noticed that after certain foods (like pizza or ice cream) my stomach would bloat up and cramp so that doubling over was the only thing I could do to alleviate the problem.
My mother suggested I might have Candida and begged me to see Dr. Sultan. She had been seeing him for a few months and spoke highly of him.
Since I began treatment last fall, I am no longer experiencing the digestive problems that were so out of control. I no longer crave the foods that were continuing to make me sick. I have more energy and even my PMS (which was debilitating) is practically unnoticeable. I am a happier, healthier person. While it can be difficult, it is worth all the effort!!
JW - 01/28/06
Condition Treated:
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Symptoms:
Severe headaches, PMS, chronic fatigue, anxiety, depression, pain
Initials:
V. B.
Age:
32 female
Story:
For over 5 years, I had experienced severe chronic headaches, excessive fatigue and severe PMS, anxiety, depression, and pain. After a 6-week bout of severe depression and about 20 Tylenol tablets each day, I decided I couldn’t live like that anymore. My 4 children needed a “real” mother, not the irritable and sad person I’d been for 5 years. In desperation, I contacted Dr. Sultan.
Now, eight months later, I have been able to expand my career as a labor assistant and lactation consultant, since for the first time in my life I have the energy most other “normal” people have. But most of all, my kids now have a mom who has the energy to “run around” and play with them, and who is no longer irritable and “snapping” at them all the time. My headaches and PMS problems are almost completely gone. Now I can finally have the career I wanted, helping people with birth and babies, and above all, I have the loving family and home atmosphere I’ve always dreamed of.