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PMS-C is associated with increased appetite, craving for sweets, headache, fatigue, fainting spells, and heart palpitations. Glucose tolerance tests (GTT) performed on PMS-C patients during the luteal phase of their cycle show a flattening of the early part of the curve, whereas during the follicular phase (first half of cycle) their GTT is normal. Some studies have also shown a fourth-hour hypoglycemic response during the luteal phase.
Causes & Development
There is currently no clear explanation for this phenomenon, although an increased cellular capacity to bind insulin has been postulated. This appears to be hormonally regulated, but other factors may also be involved. For example, the cellular response to a high glucose load results in an increased affinity for insulin. Sodium chloride enhances insulin response to glucose ingestion, and decreased pancreatic magnesium levels result in increased secretion of insulin in response to glucose. All are possible mechanisms.
A deficiency of the prostaglandin PGE, in the pancreas and CNS may also be involved in PMS-C. PGE1 inhibits glucose induced insulin secretion in humans.
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Signs, symptoms & indicators of Premenstrual Syndrome PMS C (Craving):
Conditions that suggest Premenstrual Syndrome PMS C (Craving):
Premenstrual Syndrome PMS C (Craving) suggests the following may be present:
Premenstrual Syndrome PMS C (Craving) can lead to:
Recommendations and treatments for Premenstrual Syndrome PMS C (Craving): | | | | | Botanical |  Evening Primrose Oil | Treatment of women with PMS using gamma-linolenic acid to promote PGE1 synthesis shows good results in placebo-controlled studies. |
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Hormone |
 Natural Progesterone |
Mineral |
Magnesium| | In initial research, the supplementation of magnesium has resulted in the satisfying of chocolate cravings. Since both chocolate and cocoa powder contain high levels of magnesium (520mg/100gm and 100mg/100gm, respectively), your craving of chocolate may just reflect your desire to supplement this essential element. Additionally, there are links between low magnesium levels and the development of PMS symptoms, which may explain some women’s monthly chocolate binge. |
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KEY | | Weak or unproven link |  | | Strong or generally accepted link |  | | Proven definite or direct link |  | | Very strongly or absolutely counter-indicative | | | Likely to help | | | Highly recommended |
GLOSSARY
Central Nervous System (CNS)
A collective term for the brain, spinal cord, their nerves, and the sensory end organs. More broadly, this can even include the
neurotransmitting hormones instigated by the CNS that control the chemical nervous system, the endocrine glands.
Crave (Craving, Cravings)
To have a strong desire for; to feel the need for.
Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA)
A downline metabolite of linoleic acid, an Omega-6 oil.
Glucose
A sugar that is the simplest form of carbohydrate. It is commonly referred to as blood sugar. The body breaks down carbohydrates in foods into glucose, which serves as the primary fuel for the muscles and the brain.
Gram (gm, gms, Gramme, Grammes, Grams)
A metric unit of weight, there being approximately 28 grams in one ounce.
Insulin
A hormone secreted by the pancreas in response to elevated blood glucose levels. Insulin stimulates the liver, muscles, and fat cells to remove glucose from the blood for use or storage.
Magnesium
An essential mineral. The chief function of magnesium is to activate certain enzymes, especially those related to carbohydrate metabolism. Another role is to maintain the electrical potential across nerve and muscle membranes. It is essential for proper heartbeat and nerve transmission. Magnesium controls many cellular functions. It is involved in protein formation, DNA production and function and in the storage and release of energy in ATP. Magnesium is closely related to calcium and phosphorus in body function. The average adult body contains approximately one ounce of magnesium. It is the fifth mineral in abundance within the body--behind calcium, phosphorus, potassium and sodium. Although about 70 percent of the body's magnesium is contained in the teeth and bones, its most important functions are carried out by the remainder which is present in the cells of the soft tissues and in the fluid surrounding those cells.
Milligram (mg, Milligrams)
0.001 or a thousandth of a gram.
Pancreas (Pancreatic)
Opposite the liver and behind the stomach, the pancreas has two main functions - to manufacture various enzymes for digestion, and to release hormones to help control the body's use of carbohydrates. It releases insulin to help each cell absorb glucose to burn as energy. In this way, insulin controls the amount of sugar (glucose) in the blood. Proper pancreatic function is very important: too much, too little, or no insulin production can be life-threatening. Some of the chemicals released by the pancreas are not hormones, but stimulate other glands to make hormones. Once again, balance is necessary. Nutritional requirements for the pancreas are many. Research indicates that chromium vitamins C, E, B-complex, calcium, magnesium and potassium are especially important.
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
PMS consists of various physical and/or emotional symptoms that occur in the second half of the menstrual cycle, after ovulation. The symptoms begin about midcycle, are generally the most intense during the last seven days before menstruation and include: acne; backache; bloating; fatigue; headache; sore breasts; changes in sexual desire; depression; difficulty concentrating; difficulty handling stress; irritability; tearfulness.
Prostaglandin (Prostaglandins)
Any of a class of physiologically active substances present in many tissues, with effects such as vasodilation, vasoconstriction, stimulation of the smooth muscles of the bronchus or intestine, uterine stimulation; also involved in pain, inflammation, fever, allergic diarrhea, and dysmenorrhea. A potent hormone -- similar in structure to an unsaturated fatty acid -- that acts in extremely low concentrations on local target organs; first isolated from the prostate.
Prostaglandin E (PGE)
The fifth prostaglandin subtype discovered, and usually separated into PGE1 and PGE2. These two, if made by the kidneys, slow sodium reabsorption; if within the uterus, induce a stronger response from less stimulus; if made in the stomach lining inhibit gastric secretion; if secreted by macrophages, target tissues become more accessible to infiltration and inflammation. These are the two prostaglandins whose levels are meant to be stabilized by gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) supplements.
Sodium
An essential mineral that our bodies regulate and conserve. Excess sodium retention increases the fluid volume (edema) and low sodium leads to less fluid and relative dehydration. The adult body averages a total content of over 100 grams of sodium, of which a surprising one-third is in bone. A small amount of sodium does get into cell interiors, but this represents only about ten percent of the body content. The remaining 57 percent or so of the body sodium content is in the fluid immediately surrounding the cells, where it is the major cation (positive ion). The role of sodium in the extracellular fluid is maintaining osmotic equilibrium (the proper difference in ions dissolved in the fluids inside and outside the cell) and extracellular fluid volume. Sodium is also involved in nerve impulse transmission, muscle tone and nutrient transport. All of these functions are interrelated with potassium.
Last updated: Nov 14, 2009
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