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Alternative medicine
By Mayo Clinic staffHere's what's known about the effectiveness of some of the more common complementary products and remedies used to soothe the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome:
- Calcium. Consuming 1,200 milligrams (mg) of dietary and supplemental calcium daily, such as chewable calcium carbonate (Tums, Rolaids, others), may reduce the physical and psychological symptoms of PMS. Regular, long-term use of calcium carbonate also reduces your risk of osteoporosis.
- Magnesium. Taking 400 mg of supplemental magnesium daily may help to reduce fluid retention, breast tenderness and bloating in women with premenstrual syndrome.
- Vitamin B-6. A daily dose of 50 to 100 mg of vitamin B-6 may help some women with troublesome PMS symptoms.
- Vitamin E. This vitamin, taken in 400 international units daily, may ease PMS symptoms by reducing the production of prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that cause cramps and breast tenderness.
- Herbal remedies. Some women report relief of PMS symptoms with the use of herbs such as black cohosh, ginger, raspberry leaf, dandelion, chasteberry and evening primrose oil. However, few scientific studies prove the effectiveness of herbs thought to help reduce the effects of PMS. The Food and Drug Administration does not regulate herbs. That means their safety and effectiveness is not proved. You have no assurance that the product you buy contains the active ingredients on the label or that it isn't contaminated with other potentially harmful substances.
- Natural progesterone creams. These are derived from wild yams and soybeans. Some women report that these creams relieve symptoms. No scientific studies prove their effectiveness.
Check with your doctor before taking any herb or dietary supplement.
