| The balance of essential fatty acids in the body is important to maintain
healthy cell membranes and to modulate the activity of "local"
hormones that control the body's inflammatory responses. During the
last century, the American diet has changed to incorporate much higher
levels of saturated fats containing omega-6 oils, which encourage
the production of pro-inflammatory chemical substances in the body
called type-2 prostaglandins (PGE2), while decreasing the amount of
healthy omega-3 oils (fish, flaxseed oil, etc) which promote the production
of anti-inflammatory prostaglandins.
Scientists
have discovered that anti-inflammatory prostaglandins of the type-1
series (PGE1) seem to reduce the prolactin-induced symptoms of PMS
such as fluid retention, irritability and depression.1 This may
be why supplementation with evening primrose oil, a precursor to
PGE1, has been shown to benefit many women with PMS symptoms.2
More specifically,
research has uncovered abnormal fatty acid metabolism in women with
PMS. Brush and colleagues examined plasma fatty acid levels in 42
women with "well-defined pre-menstrual syndrome." They
found that although levels of linoleic acid, the body's main dietary
source of omega-6 oil, were significantly above normal in all the
women, levels of its direct metabolites, including gamma-linolenic
acid, were all deficient.3 Although this imbalance was present in
both the luteal phase and the follicular phases of the menstrual
cycle, and thus not a sole cause of PMS, these scientists speculated
that metabolic errors in fatty acid metabolism "may sensitize
tissues so that they respond abnormally to normal levels of reproductive
hormones."
In addition,
experimental studies show that fatty acids can affect the activity
of critical hormones linked to the etiology of PMS, including estrogen,
progesterone, and ß-endorphins.4 These dynamics help explain
why one study of 30 women with "severe, incapacitating PMS"
found that administration of a prostaglandin precursor containing
linoleic acid and its metabolite gamma-linolenic acid improved PMS
symptoms--particularly depression--much better than a placebo.5
Conversely,
however, some research has cited an imbalance characterized by PGE2
deficiency and PGE1 excess as a possible etiological factor underlying
PMS.6,7 And some experts have cautioned against using treatments
that promote PGE1 synthesis in premenstrual women because of the
potential danger of promoting hemorrhage.8 Several clinical trials
have reported PMS symptom improvement through the use of a general
inhibitor of prostaglandins production called mefenamic aid 9-10.
This treatment, however, can incur significant side effects, and
it is unclear how it specifically works to affect the balance between
PGE1 and PGE2 agents.
The
variety of ways in which fatty acid and prostaglandin imbalances
may interact to impact PMS underscores the need for precise testing
to determine specific fatty acid levels and the status of metabolic
conversion pathways.
The Essential and Metabolic Fatty Acids Analysis provides the clinical groundwork for determining the best approach
to using fatty acid supplementation to promote prostaglandin balance
for optimal menstrual health.
Call to set up a nutritional consultation so that tests can be performed
and a comprehensive strategy of lifestyle, dietary modification
and nutrient supplementation can be implemented to aid you in reversing
this disorder.
For an appointment, contact our office at: 800-956-7083 and visit
our web site www.completehealthinstitute.com go to lab tests and
click on appropriate test for information.
Dr. Rispoli, Ph.D., L Ac. has had a clinical practice for over 20
years. Her programs work because she is so thorough in testing and
providing a nutritional approach. Remember that the body can heal
itself if given the proper nutrients.
References
1 Horrobin DF. The role of essential fatty acids and prostaglandins
in the premenstrual syndrome. J Reprod Med 1983;28(7):465-8.
2 Campbell EM, Peterkin D, O'Grady K, Sanson-Fischer R. Premenstrual
symptoms in general practice patients. Prevalence and treatment.
J Reprod Med 1997;42(10):637-46.
3 Brush MG, Watson SJ, Horrobin DF, Manku MS. Abnormal essential
fatty acid levels in plasma of women with premenstrual syndrome.
Am J Obstet Gynecol 1984;150(4):363-6.
4 Cameron IT, Fraser IS, Smith SK. Clinical disorders of the endometrium
and menstrual cycle. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1998;359.
5 Puolakka J, Makarainen L, Viinikka L, Ylikorkala O. Biochemical
and clinical effects of treating the premenstrual syndrome with
prostaglandin synthesis precursors.
6 Koshikawa N, Tatsunuma T, Furuya K, Seki K. Prostaglandins and
premenstrual syndrome. Prostaglandin Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 1992;45(1):33-6.
7 Jakubowicz DL, Goadard E, Dewhurst J. The treatment of premenstrual
tension with mefenamic acid: analysis of prostaglandins concentrations.
Br J Obstet Gynaecol 1984;91(1):78-84.
8 Severino SK, Moline ML. Premenstrual syndrome: a clinician's guide.
New York: Guilford Press, 1989;218.
9 Mira M, McNeil D, Fraser IS, Vizzard J, Abraham S. Mefenamic acid
in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome. Obstet Cynecol 1986;68(3):395-8.
10 Wood C, Jakubowicz D. The treatment of premenstrual symptoms
with mefenamic acid. Br J Obstet Cynaecol 1980;87(7):627-30.
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