Medicines against Premenstrual Syndrome

Definition

Premenstrual syndrome is defined as a heterogeneous complex of symptoms, disorders and psycho-biological alterations that occurs in the woman one or two weeks before the menstrual flow. The frequency, intensity and type of symptoms are quite variable from woman to woman.

Causes

Hypothesis only, no scientifically proven theory on the triggering causes of PMS. It is believed that the progestin defect - typical of the luteal phase - can somehow heavily affect the woman's mood. Other causal hypotheses include: vitamin B6 defect, impaired thyroid function (hypothyroidism associated with premenstrual syndrome ), prostaglandin E1 defect, hypoglycemia.

Symptoms

The symptoms associated with PMS are extremely variable. The most frequent are listed below: altered concentration and mood, asthenia, increased / lack of appetite, weight gain, depression, difficulty falling asleep, joint / muscle disorders, swollen and heavy legs, breast swelling, irritability, water retention, etc.

Natural Cures

Diet and Nutrition

The information on Premenstrual Syndrome - Medicines useful against Premenstrual Syndrome is not intended to replace the direct relationship between health professional and patient. Always consult your doctor and / or specialist before taking Premenstrual Syndrome - Medicines useful against Premenstrual Syndrome.

Medicines

When the symptoms associated with PMS are so intense and frequent as to disturb the tranquility of the woman, or in any case to interfere with normal daily activities, it is recommended to use the aid - thoughtful and intelligent - of drugs.
As can be guessed, given the prodromal heterogeneity associated with premenstrual syndrome, pharmacological therapies aimed at relieving symptoms are very varied: only the doctor can direct the affected patient to the most suitable therapy.

The following are the classes of drugs most used in the therapy against premenstrual syndrome, and some examples of pharmacological specialties; it is up to the doctor to choose the most suitable active ingredient and dosage for the patient, based on the severity of the disease, the state of health of the patient and his response to treatment:

Oral contraceptives

Ethinylestradiol / Levonorgestrel (eg Loette, Microgynon, Miranova, Egogyn): we are talking about birth control pills useful for reducing painful symptoms and mood alterations, typical disorders of PMS. These drugs are available in packs of 21-28 tablets: each tablet consists of 0.02 mg of ethinylestradiol and 0.1 mg of levonorgestrel. Pharmacological treatment involves taking one tablet a day, for 21 days, possibly at about the same time each day, followed by a free interval of one week.
Desogestrel / Ethinylestradiol (eg Gracial, Novynette, Lucille, Dueva, Securgin): these are coated tablets of 20 mcg of ethnylestradiol and 150 mcg of desogestrel. The dosage of these drugs reflects the one described above: the correct way of taking these active ingredients generally guarantees a significant reduction in premenstrual symptoms. It should not be forgotten, however, that in some patients worsening of the prodromes is sometimes observed: in in this case, do not hesitate to contact your doctor. In any case, in the first three months of taking the pill, a change in symptoms, either positive or negative, is very frequent.

Painkillers / anti-inflammatories: these are prostaglandin inhibitors, useful for relieving pelvic pain, headache and diarrhea, associated (in this case) with PMS. Sometimes, doctors prescribe combined analgesic drugs, which are shown to relieve multiple ailments:

Ibuprofen (eg. Brufen, Kendo, Moment): take orally from 200 to 400 mg of active ingredient (tablets, effervescent sachets) every 4-6 hours, as needed. In some extreme cases (rare), the analgesic can be given intravenously (400 to 800 mg every 6 hours, as needed)
Diclofenac (eg. Dicloreum, Fastum Painkiller, Voltaren) generally, the recommended dose is 50 mg three times a day, to be taken orally. Depending on the intensity of the symptoms, the dose can be increased up to 100 mg / day. Consult your doctor.
Paracetamol (pain reliever eg Tachipirina, Buscopam Compositum) + Pamabrom (diuretic) + Pyrilamine (anticholinergic / antihistamine): indicated to relieve premenstrual symptoms such as cramps, muscle pain, swelling, headache, asthenia, weight gain, breast tenderness. The antihistamine and the analgesic act in synergy, reducing the painful perception and discomfort associated with the premenstrual period. The diuretic, on the other hand, is indicated to reduce excess water and to relieve the perception of swelling and water retention. It is possible to take only the combination paracetamol + pamabrom, according to the symptoms complained by the patient. Consult your doctor.

Diuretics: by promoting diuresis, these drugs are indicated to counteract water retention. The intake of diuretics, under medical prescription, is an aid to counteract the perception of swelling and stagnation of fluid (especially in the legs)

Spironolactone (eg Aldactone, Uractone, Spirolang): reduces testosterone levels. Advantage over other diuretics: avoids massive potassium losses. The drug is commercially available in the form of tablets of 25-50-100 mg: it is up to the doctor to prescribe the most suitable dosage for the patient's premenstrual disorder.
Pamabrom: Generally, the drug should be administered at the dosage of one tablet 4 times a day. Do not take more than 4 tablets a day.

VITAMIN B6 (eg. Benadon, Coxanturenase, Xanturenase): in general, for the premenstrual syndrome associated with significant mood alterations, supplementation of vitamin B6 is recommended (300-500 mg / day, as prescribed by the doctor). In fact, it appears that vitamin B6 deficiency is somehow implicated in the manifestation of premenstrual symptoms.

Hypoprolactinemizing drugs: indicated to relieve breast pain (breast tenderness) from premenstrual syndrome and hyperprolactinemic hypogonadism. The drugs work by reducing prolactin levels.

Carbergolin (Dostinex): it is recommended to take the drug at a dosage of 1 mg per week
Bromocriptine (Bromocriptine DRM, Parlodel) in case of breast tenderness associated with premenstrual syndrome, the administration of 2.5-5 mg of the drug per week is recommended.

Estrogen: Less commonly, the doctor prescribes the patient with PMS to take drugs that can block estrogen production. The prescription of these drugs is aimed exclusively to treat extreme cases, in which the other drugs they are not effective in relieving premenstrual symptoms.

Leuprolide (eg Leupron) creates a sort of menopausal state, albeit temporary. Little used in therapy due to its high cost and possible side effects. Recommended dosage: 3.75 mg per month, intramuscularly.
Danazol (eg. Danatrol): the molecule is structurally similar to testosterone and boasts suppressive properties of ovarian function, as well as androgenic (also used in the treatment of endometriosis). The dosage should be established by the doctor; in general, to reduce pain in the breast, the administration of 200 mg / day is recommended

Antidepressants: to be taken only in case of premenstrual syndrome characterized by severe disorders

Fluoxetine (eg Azur, Cloriflox, Fluoxeren, Prozac) the intake of this drug is indicated for severe premenstrual syndrome, associated with depression, marked altered mood and irritability. To be used with extreme caution because the side effects could outweigh the benefits. It is recommended to start taking the drug at a dosage of 20 mg, orally once a day. The recommended maintenance dose is 20 mg of active per day continuously, or 20 mg per day during the luteal phase (to be started 14 days before menstruation). The drug taken at a dosage of 20 mg / day has brought remarkable results after 6 months of treatment. Do not exceed 80 mg / day.
Alprazolam (eg. Frontal, Aldeprelam, Xanax): start taking the drug at a dosage of 0.25-0.5 mg, orally, three times a day. When necessary, increase the dosage according to medical indications.
Sertraline (eg. Zoloft, Sertraline, Tralisen): in case of premenstrual syndrome, it is recommended to take 50 mg of the drug orally once a day (during the menstrual cycle or only during the luteal phase, as established The dosage of the drug can be increased to 100 or 150 mg per day Continue therapy for three months.

Surgical removal of the ovaries: for patients who cannot derive any benefit from the administration of these drugs, and who do not wish to have children, surgical excision of the ovaries is possible. uterus), the ovaries can be preserved, as a result it is possible for the PMS to recur.

Notes: it is possible to adopt simple behavioral rules useful to prevent the onset of PMS:

reduce salty foods during the luteal phase of the cycle
eating sugary foods and drinks during the luteal phase (to avoid hypoglycemia)
avoid alcohol, coffee, chocolate
consume a lot of vegetables
take plenty of fluids
practice autogenic training
targeted behavioral therapies: increase physical exercise, stress reduction, relaxation
prepare herbal teas and emmenagogic and antispasmodic drugs (lemon balm, fennel, chamomile, etc.)
In homeopathy, Chaste tree is useful for the prevention of symptoms that characterize the menstrual syndrome.