| PMS is theorized to occur with disruptions of the biological clock
that affect temperature, hormone secretion, and sleep-stage development.
The body's natural circadian rhythm is modulated by the hormone melatonin,
which is secreted by the pineal gland in the brain. Melatonin can
exhibit strong effects on the reproductive system, and the activity
of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone is closely tied with
its regulation of the sleep-wake cycle.
Researchers
have observed important similarities between circadian disruptions
such as jet lag and certain PMS symptoms, including transitory appetite
changes, nausea, and sleep problems.1 Abnormal biological rhythms
and sleep-wake cycle disturbances are often a primary feature of
periodic depression, another common characteristic of PMS. Melatonin
imbalances have been specifically linked to this etiology.
Parry and other
investigators from the Department of Psychiatry at the University
of California compared melatonin levels over the menstrual cycle
in a group of women with PMS and in a group of healthy women. They
found that the women with PMS had an earlier decline in melatonin
secretion--resulting in a shorter overall secretion time.
"The
data demonstrate that women with premenstrual syndrome have chronobiological
abnormalities of melatonin secretion," they stated. "The
fact that these patients respond to treatments that affect circadian
physiology, such as sleep deprivation and phototherapy, suggests
that circadian abnormalities may contribute to the pathogenesis
of premenstrual syndrome."2
Follow-up research
by Parry and his colleagues found that women with premenstrual dysphoric
disorder (PMDD) have decreased levels of nocturnal melatonin, and
a shifted onset-offset pattern of secretion. This dysfunction, along
with its ensuing PMS symptoms, may thus be amenable to light therapy.3
Interestingly, Sandyk has recently linked fluctuations in melatonin
levels with the premenstrual worsening of PMS symptoms in patients
with multiple sclerosis.4
The
Comprehensive Melatonin Profile is a noninvasive salivary
analysis that reveals the circadian pattern of melatonin secretion
over a complete light-dark cycle, providing the specific groundwork
for effective, targeted therapy.
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 or 818 707-3126.
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 Severino SK, Moline ML. Premenstrual syndrome: a clinician's guide.
New York: Guilford Press, 1989
2 Parry Bl, Berga SL, Kripke DF, Klauber MR, Laughlin GA, Yen SS,
Gillin GC. Altered waveform of plasma nocturnal melatonin secretion
in premenstrual depression. Arch Gen Psychiatr 1990;47(12):1139-46.
3 Parry BL, Berga Sl, Mostofi N, Klauber MR, Resnick A. Plasma melatonin
circadian rhythms during the menstrual cycle and after light therapy
in premenstrual dysphoric disorder and normal control subjects.
J Biol Rhythms 1997;12(1):47-64.
4 Sandyk R. Premenstrual exacerbation of symptoms in multiple sclerosis
is attenuated by treatment with weak electromagnetic fields. Int
J Neurosci 1995;83(3-4):187-98.
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