Homeopathic remedies for premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
Homeopathic remedies for premenstrual syndrome (PMS) involve the use of highly diluted substances to alleviate symptoms related to the menstrual cycle. Research indicates that classical homeopathic therapy may offer relief for some women experiencing PMS. In a small clinical trial, participants receiving personalized homeopathic remedies reported significantly fewer symptoms compared to those who received a placebo. Commonly studied homeopathic treatments include Calcarea carbonica, which targets fluid retention and fatigue, Chamomilla for anger and irritability with heavy menstrual flow, and Pulsatilla for moodiness and mild dizziness. Other remedies like Hypericum perforatum (St. John's Wort) and Evening primrose oil are also mentioned for their potential benefits. While some individuals have found relief with various homeopathic treatments, scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness remains limited. Additionally, addressing vitamin or mineral deficiencies may help alleviate PMS symptoms, although this approach focuses on symptom management rather than a cure. Overall, homeopathy presents a range of options for those exploring alternative methods to manage PMS, with an emphasis on personalized treatment.
Homeopathic remedies for premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
- STUDIED HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES:Calcarea carbonica, Chamomilla, classical homeopathic remedy, Pulsatilla
DEFINITION: The use of highly diluted remedies to treat symptoms related to the onset of menstruation.
Scientific Evaluations of Homeopathic Remedies
According to one small trial, classical homeopathic therapy may be helpful for premenstrual syndrome (PMS). A three-month, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial tested the effects of a homeopathic remedy given in a single dose at the beginning of the trial. Each of the twenty women with PMS symptoms who participated in the trial received a classical homeopathic interview and was prescribed a personalized homeopathic remedy. One-half of the women received the remedy prescribed to them, while the other one-half received a placebo. The results showed significantly fewer symptoms in the treated group.
Another double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluated the effectiveness of daily treatment with an individualized homeopathic remedy. However, the dropout rate was too high for the results to be interpreted in a meaningful way.
Traditional Homeopathic Treatments
Classical homeopathy offers possible homeopathic treatments for PMS. These therapies are chosen based on various specific details of the person seeking treatment.
The homeopathic remedy Calcarea carbonica is often used for PMS symptoms, including fluid retention, headaches, breast tenderness, and feeling overwhelmed. Other symptoms associated with this remedy include feeling extremely fatigued and depleted, a feeling of cold limbs, and difficulty climbing stairs or walking. Furthermore, these symptoms should worsen with exposure to coldness or dampness in the morning and should worsen with exertion.
Homeopathic Chamomilla is often used in forms of PMS where anger and irritability are predominant features. Menstrual flow is typically heavy, with dark, clotted blood. Heat worsens symptoms, while aerobic exercise reduces them. Pulsatilla may be helpful for treating moodiness, depression, nausea, and mild dizziness in young women with PMS.
Several other homeopathic treatments for PMS were studied in the twenty-first century. Participants in a study treated with Folliculinum found relief from their symptoms. Others found success with Lachesis mutus, though not to the same extent. Further, lavender, clary sage, neroli, sepia, conium, ignatia, and rose were all found to have potential symptom-relieving properties for PMS treatment, but their use is not confirmed by scientific evidence. If an individual is vitamin or mineral deficient as a result of their menstrual cycle, they are likely to benefit from supplementation to treat or prevent PMS symptoms. However, this is simply treating the symptoms of the deficiency and not a cure for PMS.
Bibliography
Chapman, E. H., et al. “Results of a Study of the Homoeopathic Treatment of PMS.” Journal of the American Institute of Homeopathy, vol. 87, 1994, pp. 14-21.
Danno, Karine, et al. “Homeopathic Treatment of Premenstrual Syndrome: A Case Series.” Homeopathy: The Journal of the Faculty of Homeopathy, vol. 102, no. 1, 2013, pp. 59-65, doi:10.1016/j.homp.2012.10.004. Accessed 20 Nov. 2024.
Jones, A. “Homeopathic Treatment for Premenstrual Symptoms.” Journal of Family Planning and Reproductive Health Care, vol. 29, 2003, pp. 25-28.
Klein-Laansma, C. T., et al. “Semi-Standardised Homeopathic Treatment of Premenstrual Syndrome with a Limited Number of Medicines.” Homeopathy, vol. 99, 2010, pp. 192-204.
McDermott, Annette, and Debra Rose Wilson. “PMDD Natural Treatment: 10 Options.” Healthline, 10 May 2023, www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/pmdd-natural-treatment. Accessed 1 Oct. 2024.
"Premenstrual Syndrome." Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, www.mountsinai.org/health-library/condition/premenstrual-syndrome. Accessed 1 Oct. 2024.
Yakir, M., et al. “Effects of Homeopathic Treatment in Women with Premenstrual Syndrome: A Pilot Study.” British Homoeopathic Journal, 2018, doi:10.1054/homp.1999.0491. Accessed 1 Oct. 2024.