EndoAxis

The Link Between Inflammation & PMS

Dr. Liz Bartman

Did you know? The level of inflammation present prior to menstruation influences the degree of PMS experienced. Premenstrual syndrome affects at least 80% of cycling females, of which 50% seek medical care and support (1). This means that up to 30% of the population in the US struggles with significant PMS symptoms around 3-14 days per month. Depending on severity, some women are unable to work or participate in daily activities from the suffering that comes alongside PMS.

A lot of women turn to over the counter support like ibuprofen or Motrin to manage some of the pain symptoms associated with their cycles: abdominal/pelvic cramping, hip/back/thigh pain, headaches, breast pain, and overall body aches. It is found that women who had CRP (Cardio-reactive Protein) levels >3 have a positive correlation with significant PMS symptoms including mood changes, cravings, and weight gain/bloating. This implies a relationship between inflammation and quality of life predictors during PMS time frames.

Alchemilla Vulgaris: Lady’s Mantle

Known to have a complex composition, Lady’s Mantle contains properties that are anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-obesity, and cardioprotective (2). Lady’s Mantle is traditionally used to reduce dysmenorrhea and settle hormone related heart palpitations.

Vitex: Chaste Tree

Chaste tree contains Chrysoplenol D, a substance with anti-histamine properties and a muscle relaxant (3). Histamine excess contributes to breast pain and tenderness. It can also cause hyperstimulation in the brain leading to mood changes with irritability. (4) Chaste tree also regulates LH signaling for cycle regulation and more predictable progesterone levels for estrogen to progesterone balance.

Vitamin B6 (P5P)

P5P is an important modulator in reducing histamine production, supporting detoxification of estrogen, and reducing inflammation in general. It is also a key cofactor for GABA and progesterone production which support improved mood through hormone changes.

References

Gold EB, Wells C, Rasor MO. The Association of Inflammation with Premenstrual Symptoms. J Womens Health (Larchmt). 2016 Sep;25(9):865-74. doi: 10.1089/jwh.2015.5529. Epub 2016 May 2. PMID: 27135720; PMCID: PMC5311461.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2023.117439
https://lml-database.icimod.org/detail/vitex-negundo
https://www.larabriden.com/histamine-intolerance-pms-pmdd/

Dr. Liz Bartman

Director of Clinical Sciences and Education

Dr. Liz is a naturopathic doctor with over a decade’s worth of experience in functional medicine. She currently serves as the Director of Clinical Sciences and Education for an exciting new company called EndoAxis. Having worked in Urgent Care prior to opening her private practice, Dr. Liz is well-versed in conventional standards of care and enjoys bridging the gaps of treatments and research in both the conventional and functional fields to provide tailored, evidence-based therapies to her patients. She graduated from the National University of Naturopathic Medicine, followed by the completion of a 2-year residency in Portland, OR. She maintains a practice in Salem, OR with a focus on hormone optimization and graceful aging through an epigenetic and nutrigenomic lens. She is finalizing her advanced certification in genetics and genomic medicine through Stanford and has sought additional training to broaden her professional pursuits in areas including advanced functional nutrition, nutrigenomics, environmental health, and botanical research. Having previously worked as an educational consultant at Precision Analytical, she has educated and consulted with physicians from around the world on complex hormone cases and has spoken professionally about hormone health, environmental toxin impacts on health, and nutrigenomic medicine.