Premenstrual Syndrome PMS H
(Headache)
  Premenstrual Syndrome PMS H
 Signs and symptoms
 Conditions that suggest it
 Conditions suggested by it
 Treatment
 



Premenstrual Syndrome PMS H (Headache): Overview
This subgroup of PMS is characterized by weight gain (greater than three pounds), abdominal bloating and discomfort, breast congestion and mastalgia, and the occasional swelling of the face, hands and ankles. These symptoms are due to an increased extracellular fluid volume which is in turn due to an excess of aldosterone which causes increased fluid retention.
Causes and Development
Aldosterone excess during the luteal phase of PMS-H patients may arise due to any of the following factors:
  • Stress - aldosterone is secreted by the adrenal cortex under the control of ACTH, which is secreted by the pituitary in response to stress, high serotonin levels and angiotensin II
  • Estrogen Excess - estrogen increases hepatic excretion and production of angiotensinogen, the precursor to angiotensin II
  • Dopamine Deficiency - a relative dopamine deficiency has been demonstrated in PMS-H patients. Dopamine suppresses aldosterone formation in the adrenal glands and, in the kidneys, is naturetic and diuretic.


Signs, symptoms & indicators of Premenstrual Syndrome PMS H (Headache):
Symptoms - Reproductive - Female CyclePremenstrual abdominal bloating is often a sign or symptom of Premenstrual Syndrome PMS H (Headache)  Premenstrual/premenstrual bloating/ weight gain or premenstrual abdominal bloating
Breast soreness during cycle is often a sign or symptom of Premenstrual Syndrome PMS H (Headache)  Breast soreness during cycle

Counter-indicators:
No premenstrual bloating/weight gain often contraindicates Premenstrual Syndrome PMS H (Headache)  No premenstrual bloating/weight gain

Conditions that suggest Premenstrual Syndrome PMS H (Headache):
MetabolicEdema (Water Retention) may suggest Premenstrual Syndrome PMS H (Headache)  Edema (Water Retention)

Uro-Genital
Counter-indicators:
Postmenopausal Issues (confirmed) strongly contraindicates Premenstrual Syndrome PMS H (Headache)  Postmenopausal Issues (confirmed)

Premenstrual Syndrome PMS H (Headache) suggests the following may be present:
Uro-GenitalPremenstrual Syndrome PMS H (Headache) suggests Premenstrual Syndrome (confirmed)  Premenstrual Syndrome (confirmed)

Recommendations and treatments for Premenstrual Syndrome PMS H (Headache):
BotanicalLicorice Root often helps with Premenstrual Syndrome PMS H (Headache)  Licorice Root

Mineral
Magnesium often helps with Premenstrual Syndrome PMS H (Headache)  Magnesium
A deficiency in magnesium causes hyperplasia of the adrenal cortex, elevated aldosterone levels, and increased extracellular fluid volume. Aldosterone increases the urinary excretion of magnesium; hence, a positive feedback mechanism results, which is aggravated since there is no renal mechanism for conserving magnesium.

In laboratory animals, a pyridoxine deficiency at the renal level decreases the kidneys’ ability to secrete sodium. In addition, since pyridoxine requires magnesium for phosphorylation to its active form, a magnesium deficiency can lead to decreased B6 activity. Increased insulin secretion, in response to sugar consumption, results in sodium retention that is independent of aldosterone.


KEY
Weak or unproven link: may suggestWeak or unproven link: may suggest
Strong or generally accepted link: is often a sign or symptom ofStrong or generally accepted link: is often a sign or symptom of
Definite or direct link: suggestsDefinite or direct link: suggests
Strong counter-indication: often contraindicatesStrong counter-indication: often contraindicates
Definitely or absolutely counter-indicates: strongly contraindicatesDefinitely or absolutely counter-indicates: strongly contraindicates
Moderately useful: often helps withModerately useful: often helps with




Last updated: Mar 28, 2012