Women’s Kampo Therapy (PMS)

Overview of PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome)

PMS refers to a range of symptoms that occur 3 to 10 days before the expected start of menstruation, including irritability, headaches, swelling, breast tenderness, drowsiness, low mood, and constipation. These symptoms generally ease once menstruation begins. Many women experience PMS to some extent, and it is primarily believed to be caused by sudden hormonal fluctuations

Remedies

Daily Coping Methods

• Keep a Symptom Diary: Recording the type and duration of symptoms can assist in diagnosis by healthcare providers.
• Review Lifestyle Habits: Maintain a balanced diet and establish a consistent daily routine.
• Find Relaxation Methods: Discovering ways to relax is crucial for reducing stress.
• Engage in Moderate Exercise: Incorporating regular physical activity can help alleviate symptoms.

Medicinal Treatment Options

• Hormone Therapy: Using low-dose birth control pills (OC) or low-dose estrogen-progestin combination drugs (LEP) to stabilize hormone fluctuations.
• Medications for Mental Symptoms: For severe mental symptoms, anti-anxiety drugs or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may be prescribed.
• Symptom-Specific Therapies:
  • Pain relief medication for headaches and abdominal pain
  • Sleep aids for insomnia

Medicinal Treatment Options

• Hormone Therapy: Using low-dose birth control pills (OC) or low-dose estrogen-progestin combination drugs (LEP) to stabilize hormone fluctuations.
• Medications for Mental Symptoms: For severe mental symptoms, anti-anxiety drugs or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may be prescribed.
• Symptom-Specific Therapies:
  • Pain relief medication for headaches and abdominal pain
  • Sleep aids for insomnia

Kampo Therapy Approach

In Kampo medicine, the treatment for PMS is based on the following factors:

• Qi Abnormalities (Qi Stagnation): Symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, and mood swings.
• Water Imbalance (Water Toxin): Symptoms such as swelling, headaches, and cold sensations.
• Blood Abnormalities (Blood Stasis, Blood Deficiency): Symptoms such as shoulder stiffness, constipation, abdominal pain, and hot flashes.

Common Kampo Prescriptions

• Saikokaryukotsuboreito (柴胡桂枝乾姜湯)
• Keishibukuryogan (桂枝茯苓丸)
• Kamishoyosan (加味逍遙散)
• Onseito (温清湯)
• Jyosinsan (女神散)