Suffer from severe PMS? (Called PMDD)
Menopause, or having a hard time getting pregnant?
There is ALTERNATIVE treatments out there...
Its called ~
* acupunture AND
*Vitex (Chasteberry) a hormone balancing HERB!
[ www.diagnose-me.com/treat/T165243.html ]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Many women (and their familis) suffer from PMDD without even beeing aware of what it is.
PMDD stands for premenstrual dysphoric disorder....

((I suffer from this hell, and wasnt REALLY aware of this... even though I knew I had severe PMS,
now I know how serious this is, and there IS help so I dont have to suffer like before...
Also... as I found out through my research - IT GETS WORSE after the age of 35 !!
Hmm.. And Im turning 36 this summer, yaiks! ; ))

PMDD is a severe form of a common problem called premenstrual syndrome, or PMS.
About 75 percent of women of childbearing age have some PMS problems.
About 2 to 10 percent of women in this age group have PMDD.

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder or PMDD
is a condition associated with severe emotional and physical problems
that are linked closely to the menstrual cycle.

Symptoms occur regularly in the second half of the cycle
and end when menstruation begins or shortly thereafter.

PMDD is NOT "just a new name" for premenstrual syndrome (PMS),
a condition that affects as many as 75% of menstruating women.
It is, however, considered to be a VERY SEVERE form of PMS
that affects about 5% of menstruating women.

Both PMDD and PMS share symptoms in common that include
depression, anxiety, tension, irritability and moodiness.
What sets PMDD apart is its severity.

Women with PMDD find that it has a very disruptive effect on their lives.
Please read on to get more information about PMDD
-- what it is, how it is diagnosed and how it is treated.

How do I know if I have PMDD?
The symptoms of PMDD are:

PMDD is similar to premenstrual syndrome (PMS), but differs from it in severity. Treatment is recommended because PMDD interferes with the sufferer's ability to function in their environment. The cardinal symptom--surfacing between ovulation and menstruation, and disappearing within a few days after the onset of the bleeding--is irritability (PMID 11571794). Anxiety, anger, and depression may also occur. The main symptoms, which can be disabling, include[3]

* feelings of sadness or despair, or possibly suicidal thoughts
* feelings of tension or anxiety
* panic attacks
* mood swings, crying
* lasting irritability or anger that affects other people
* disinterest in daily activities and relationships
* trouble thinking or focusing
* tiredness or low energy
* food cravings or binge eating
* having trouble sleeping
* feeling out of control
* physical symptoms, such as bloating, heart palpitations, breast tenderness, headaches, and joint or muscle pain

Five or more of these symptoms may indicate PMDD.
Symptoms occur during the week before the menstrual cycle and go away when the bleeding starts.

These symptoms can affect your relationships and work ability.
If you have some of these symptoms 10 to 14 days before your period
and they improve when your period starts, you might have PMDD.
Your family doctor can help you find out for sure.

(( DAILY SYMTOM REPORT: familydoctor.org/online/fa...Column0007 ))


What causes PMDD?

The exact cause of PMDD is not known.
Changes in hormones related to your period may cause PMDD.
Stressful life events and a family history of PMS or PMDD may increase your chances of getting PMDD.
Major depression is common in women who have PMDD.
However, not all women who have PMDD have major depression.

Most researchers believe PMDD is brought about
by the hormonal changes related to the menstrual cycle.
Recent studies have shown a connection between PMDD and low levels of serotonin,
a chemical in the brain that helps transmit nerve signals.

Certain brain cells that use serotonin as a messenger
are involved in controlling mood, attention, sleep and pain.
Therefore, chronic changes in serotonin levels can lead to PMDD symptoms.

From wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prem...c_disorder
While the cause of PMDD has not been definitively established,
a leading theory suggests it is due to the lack of serotonin (a neurotransmitter)
and mediated by the fluctuations of the levels of sex hormones
(progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone) in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle (PMID 16515859).

Supporting the hypothesized important role of serotonin,
a number of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
have been proven in clinical trials to effectively treat
the mood component of PMDD when taken during the dysphoric phase.

(( I DONT AGREE, CUZ IM OVERSENSITIVE TO THE PHARMA DRUGS, like SSRI, Prozac and shit ))


So what about treatments to PMS and PMDD?

Thyroid test — Because thyroid disorders are common in women of childbearing age,
and some of the symptoms of PMS — such as weight gain —
are similar to symptoms of thyroid disorders,
your doctor may order a test to evaluate thyroid functioning.
This can help to rule out a thyroid disorder as a cause of your symptoms.

PMS symptoms diary —
Your doctor may ask you to keep a diary of your symptoms, when they occur and for how long.
By doing this, you can see if your symptoms correspond to certain times in your monthly cycle.
While your symptoms may vary from month to month,
a trend likely will appear after tracking your symptoms for a few months.

How is PMS treated?
Treatment for PMS is based on relieving symptoms.
Treatment begins with a thorough assessment of your symptoms,
as well as their impact on the your daily life.

Education — You will be better able to deal with your symptoms
if you can relate how you’re feeling to your menstrual cycles,
knowing that you will feel better once your period starts.
Keeping a monthly symptom diary will help you track your symptoms,
as well as their severity and how long they last.
While symptoms may vary from month to month,
this diary can give you a good idea of how your periods affect your physical health and moods.

Learning how to cope with the problems in your life may help relieve the stress
and irritability you feel before your period.

If you experience severe anxiety, irritability or depression, counseling and/or medication may be helpful.

Nutrition — A healthy diet is important to overall physical and mental wellness.
Making changes in your diet—
including reducing the amount of caffeine, salt and sugar
—may help relieve symptoms of PMS.
In some cases, nutritional supplements may be recommended.

These include Vitamin B6, calcium and magnesium.


Exercise — Like a healthy diet, regular exercise can improve your overall health.
It also can help relieve and help you cope with the monthly symptoms associated with PMS.

Medications — Over-the-counter pain relievers—such as aspirin and ibuprofen
—may help relieve symptoms such as headache, backache, cramps and breast tenderness.
Medications may be prescribed in cases of severe depression or anxiety.


How is PMDD diagnosed?

Clinical evaluation should include a comprehensive review
of the patient's symptoms and medical history, a physical exam,
a gynecologic exam and basic laboratory tests
(such as a complete blood count, electrolytes, liver and kidney profile and thyroid function tests).

(( ask them to check if you have PCOS for example,
Polycystic ovary syndrome (or PCOS) affects up to 1 in 10 women,
and often the symptoms begin in the teen years.
Treatment can help control the symptoms and prevent long-term problems.
women.webmd.com/tc/polycys...ic-overview

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poly...y_syndrome

www.pcosupport.org/

many gynocologists doesnt even KNOW what that is,
and around 10% of all women suffer from it... freaking uneducated doctors...!! ))


More about How is PMDD diagnosed?

Psychiatric evaluation should focus on symptoms of depression,
seasonal variation of depression, alcohol and drug use,
early victimization and trauma, family history of affective disorder
(a group of disorders characterized by a disturbance of mood,
accompanied by a manic and depressive syndrome),
alcoholism and current situational stresses.


How is PMDD treated?

Many women gain relief from the symptoms of PMDD
with education and lifestyle changes, including exercise,
vitamins and a caffeine-free diet. Medications, including anti-depressants,
may be used to treat the emotional symptoms of PMDD.
In addition, individual and group counseling,
and stress management can be beneficial in helping a woman cope with PMDD.

More about treatments:
pmdd.factsforhealth.org/treatment/


=============== BUT WHAT I FOUND NOW IS THIS!!!


ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE

* acupuncture is one
* monkpepper is the other OR Vitex -

"Throughout Europe vitex is the number one herb used
to help relieve the symptoms of female hormonal imbalance associated with the menstrual cycle.
This book explains both its traditional and modern uses as well as the latest scientific findings,
and information on how to take the herb whether in the form of liquid, powder, ot tea."
www.amazon.com/Vitex-Wome.../1570671575
From the book: Vitex: The Women's Herb (Paperback)
by Christopher Hobbs (Author)


==>> How can Vitex (Chaste berry) help me get pregnant?
www.babyhopes.com/articles/vitex.html


==>> MONOPAUSE and hormones

How Does Vitex Promote Cycle Balance?
Written by scarletrose on Mar-25-08 5:37pm
From: youcangetpregnant.blogspot.com

Vitex or chasteberry is not a hormone;
however, vitex works by acting on the hypothalamus and pituitary gland,
which in turn secrete hormones or send signals to other parts of the body
to trigger the production of reproductive hormones.

Vitex has been shown to help increase the level of luteinizing hormone (or LH)
while gently suppressing the secretion of FSH (follicle stimulating hormone).
In effect, Vitex stimulates the hormones involved in ovulation and assists in restoring overall hormonal balance.

More specifically, vitex is effective in regulating pituitary gland function
and in normalizing the balance of progesterone to estrogen levels.
Vitex is particularly supportive in maintaining progesterone levels
during the "luteal phase", or second half, of a woman's cycle.

A large percentage of menstrual problems and infertility issues
are related to insufficient progesterone production during the luteal phase,
which can result in a shortened luteal phase and may possibly contribute to PCOS.

With regard to the former, a "short" luteal phase is often referred to as
corpus luteum insufficiency or LPD (luteal phase defect).
Luteal phase defect is characterized by low progesterone levels during the second half of your cycle.

With regard to PCOS, hormonal imbalance (namely insufficient levels of progesterone)
may also contribute to the formation of cysts on your ovaries, or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. As Vitex agnus castus has been shown to support progesterone production, Vitex may be suggested as a treatment for menstrual cycle imbalances, luteal phase defect, and possibly PCOS (as normalized progesterone levels and cycle regularity may suppress the development of ovarian cysts associated with estrogen dominance).

Clinical studies now support the fertility-enhancing claims associated with Vitex agnus castus - as well as its facility in treating common fertility disorders. In one commonly-cited study, sixty-seven women with fertility or ovulatory disorders were given a vitex agnus castus preparation, which resulted in a marked improvement of progesterone levels during the luteal phase, earlier ovulation, and thirty-eight achieved pregnancies (Bergmann, 2000).

In another study (Milewicz, 1993), vitex agnus castus was administered to hyperprolactinaemia female patients. The use of vitex resulted in reduced prolactin levels, as well as the normalization of luteal phase progesterone levels for women with luteal phase defect. Shortened luteal phases were therefore normalized (lengthened).

An earlier German study by Amann (1982) reveals that vitex exerts a favorable, positive effect on women with amenorrhea (the absence of menstrual cycle or period), further establishing the efficacy of vitex in restoring hormonal balance and cycle regularity. In another clinical trial conducted at Stanford, women with fertility disorders benefited from using a vitex-containing supplement, with more pregnancies in the vitex group than in placebo groups. Each of these studies demonstrates the fertility-enhancing properties of this unique herb.

Vitex is also recognized as a safe herb. It has no known side-effects, and chasteberry can be taken for up to 18 months continuously. When pregnancy is achieved, discontinue use of vitex-containing supplements, as well as any other herbal-nutritional supplements not specifically approved by your doctor. The benefits of vitex will increase over time, and maximum benefits are typically achieved after a few months of use. It is suggested to not take vitex or fertility supplements while you are using prescription fertility drugs.

Full article: www.early-pregnancy-tests.com/vitex.html



===================================================


PMS and Perimenopause

It is well known that women have a complex ever-changing physiology.
These changes range from daily to once in a lifetime
and require her body to complete an intricate and ongoing series of interactions.

Emotions, age, stress and even other health issues, such as insomnia
and depression can upset this delicate balance yielding physical
and emotional symptoms as unique as the individual.

Although it has made many improvements,
conventional medicine has typically treated these symptoms as isolated problems
instead of an imbalance of the whole. This approach has rarely come up with good answers
to the questions posed by a system that is out of balance.

This is where Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) shines.
Through a holistic approach using acupuncture, herbs and diet `
TCM can provide relief for a number of imbalances in a safe and relatively inexpensive manner.


Acupuncture and Herbs

Acupuncture is ancient.
The oldest know acupuncture textbook is 2,300 years old
and there is evidence that acupuncture has been in use for almost 5,000 years.

From its earliest bronze age roots until today,
acupuncture has been continually improving and adapting
to become the safe and effective practice it is today.

Many of the theories that were developed long ago were founded on the belief
that health is a function of harmony and balance.

In order to achieve this harmony and balance,
energy must be able to flow freely though the body's energy pathways, often called meridians.
If the energy in these pathways is blocked and circulation is impaired, pain and illness result.
By stimulating acupuncture points along the meridians energy is released
and regulated, thereby restoring balance and health.


Another important tool for the practitioner of TCM is Chinese Herbs.

Plant based medicine is as old as humanity;
where would we be without morphine from the poppy or aspirin from the salicyn in willow bark?

The Chinese herbalist uses hundreds of plants in combination to address health concerns.
They can be used alone or as an integral part of an acupuncture treatment.

In Chinese herbal medicine there are what are called classic formulas.
They have stood the test of time for safety and effectiveness
and are used to treat common problems, but each woman's experience of PMS,
menopause, or insomnia is her own, requiring a knowledgeable herbalist
who can add or subtract herbs according to her symptoms.


The list of symptoms that a woman may experience related
to the complex interactions of her physiology is long
and TCM is effective at addressing a large number of these (see chart).
There are volumes of traditional Chinese medicine texts dedicated to women's health.
Three of the most common problems experienced are PMS, peri-menopause, and insomnia.


PMS
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is one of the most common imbalances found
in menstruating women, in fact Approximately 75% of all menstruating women experience PMS
- and for something that can effect a woman's quality of life from her first period to her very last,
it is still not fully understood.

In general, PMS symptoms build up as a woman approaches her period
and diminish once the period has started, although some women continue
to have symptoms during their periods.

Most women experience mild symptoms such as tension,
fatigue or breast tenderness the week before a period;
some symptoms can be more severe, such as migraines and anxiety.

In most cases women experience emotional changes,
which can also range from the mild but manageable to the severe and debilitating.


On the severe side of that spectrum is a condition
known as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
which affects 5% of menstruating women and has symptoms similar to PMS
but severe enough to disrupt daily activities.

Conventional medicine has some answers for the symptoms of PMS and PMDD,
but it does not treat the underlying cause.

For example some physicians will prescribe the popular antidepressant Prozac for cases of PMDD.
While the moods swings and depression
may be controlled the underlying hormone imbalance remains in place.

Given time PMS and PMDD can often be treated with a number of therapies
including, diet, dietary supplements and exercise.

TCM can be successful at providing relief for PMS and PMDD
both in the short and long term.
Regular treatment with acupuncture and herbs can help the body restore its own balance.
Additionally, while the body is returning to balance, many of the PMS and PMDD symptoms
can be managed in a very short period of time.


Conventional medicine and TCM agree that there is often a connection between unresolved emotions and PMS/PMDD symptoms. In fact, according to TCM, the majority of the diseases we experience have an emotional component whether it be anger, sadness, anxiety or depression. It is surprising to many people that a number of physical symptoms improve after examining and processing underlying emotions.

Anger, frustration, and emotional extremes may lead to a condition
known in Chinese medicine as Liver Qi Stagnation,
which is a primary cause of PMS in the TCM system.

The Liver is in charge of ensuring the smooth flow of energy, or Qi, throughout the body.

However, emotional stress can easily disrupt the flow of energy leading to tension,
breast tenderness, mood swings and a number of other symptoms associated with PMS.

Acupuncture is used to regulate the Liver and restore the smooth flow of energy
which leads to increased relaxation and a decrease in symptoms.

Additionally, there are TCM herbal formulas that are effective
as a complement to acupuncture or on their own
in restoring the body's balance and regulating its flow of energy.

A thorough health history is necessary for the acupuncturist or herbalist
to formulate the best plan of action. Both the acupuncture point prescription
and the herbal formula are individualized to account for the unique presentation
of a woman's PMS/PMDD symptoms.
TCM recognizes other exacerbating factors for PMS
and they can range from diet to overwork, either physical or mental.


Symptoms Experienced with PMS

(list from www.womentowomen.com -- an excellent online resource for information on Women's Health Issues)

mood swings
irritability
depression
anxiety
angry outbursts
confusion or fuzzy thinking
tearfulness
fatigue
insomnia
changes in libido
overeating
cravings, especially for salty or sweet foods
alcohol intolerance
acne
hives
abdominal and pelvic cramps
bloating
weight gain
headaches
migraines

breast swelling and pain
edema (visible swelling, particularly in the hands, feet and legs)
asthma
sinus problems
sore throat
worsening of chronic conditions like arthritis and ulcers
difficulty with coordination, being more prone to accidents
dizziness, decreased balance
heart pounding (palpitation)
nausea
fainting
urinary problems



Symptoms to Watch for with PMDD

Core symptoms of PMDD

Markedly depressed mood, feelings of hopelessness, or self-deprecating thoughts
Marked anxiety, tension feelings of being “keyed up” or “on edge”
Marked affective lability, e.g., feeling suddenly sad or tearful, or increased sensitivity to rejection
Persistent and marked anger or irritability or increased interpersonal conflicts


Other symptoms of PMDD

Decreased interest in usual activities, e.g., work, school, friends, hobbies
Difficulty concentrating
Marked fatigue
Marked change in appetite, overeating or cravings for specific foods
Hypersomnia or insomnia
Feeling overwhelmed or out of control
Physical symptoms, including headaches, breast tenderness and/or swelling,
joint and/or muscle pain, a sensation of “bloating,” and weight gain



Perimenopause

Bloating, irritability, mood swings, fuzzy thinking, weight gain.
While that may sound like the worst period ever,
these are also symptoms experienced during Perimenopause.

In addition to hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness,
women might also experience symptoms similar to PMS;
making the symptoms you experience during PMS predictive of what your perimenopause experience may be like.


Peri-menopause and menopause are not pathological,
they are natural occurrences in a women's life,
however the symptoms can be severe enough to make it feel like a disease.
Again, the underlying cause of the symptoms is a hormone imbalance.

Conventional medicine's approach in the past has been hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
that has be plagued by side effects ranging from the annoying to the severe.

Many improvements have been made
and there are now a large number of holistic practitioners
prescribing bio-identical hormones, whose safety and effectiveness
are championed by some and questioned by others.

Just as with PMS, a good number of symptoms experienced during menopause
can be managed by supporting the body's own functioning
with proper diet, supplementation, and regular exercise.


The early Taoists divided the world into yin and yang.
Yin is receptive, nourishing and substantial while yang is active, dry and hot.

Before the age of 35 a woman is more yin and its characteristics
are what allow her to carry a child.

After the age of thirty-five, this yin energy begins to diminish
and during the perimenopausal years the yang energy becomes more active.

As a woman's body transitions from mostly yin to mostly yang,
the flow of energy throughout her body can be irregular.

An irregular flow can lead to surges of yang energy
which can cause hot flashes, night sweats, and irritability.
Over time the body becomes accustomed to it's new state
and the flow of the energy stabilizes and the majority of symptoms disappear


Because each woman is unique her symptoms
and their severity during the perimenopausal years are too.

High stress, emotional extremes, and life style choices such as poor diet,
lack of exercise, smoking, and overwork cause imbalances in the body
that may lead to an increased number and intensity of hot flashes
or other symptoms experienced throughout the day.

These imbalances can be corrected through acupuncture, herbs,
dietary changes and other TCM treatments.

As with PMS a complete health history is essential
in formulating an appropriate and individualized treatment plan.
Only 10% of Chinese women have symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats,
compared with 75% of American woman.

While the differences between the two cultures are numerous,
stress handling techniques and diet standout as the major differences
contributing to these lopsided statistics.

Additionally, Chinese women have had access to and utilized acupuncture
and Chinese herbs successfully for centuries
and most receive TCM evaluations as they approach menopause
the detect any imbalances that might affect their transition from a more yin to a more yang.


If you or anyone woman know is experiencing any difficulty with PMS
or perimenopause and is looking for a more natural and very effective therapeutic approach,
please consider TCM. We are available for free 10 minute phone consultations
or 30 minute in office consultations, which includes a thorough review of conventional
and TCM health history, for $40. Call us at (512) 458-2442 to arrange your consultation.


FROM: www.ahha-clinic.com/healthpro/pms.php