New research has shown that capsules containing a mixture of fatty acids can help relieve symptoms of Pre-Menstrual Tension (PMT) - also known as Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (PMS). Women taking the two gram capsules over six months reported their emotional and physical symptoms becoming far milder than they were before.
The Brazilian research team recruited 120 women with an average age of 32-years-old to take a fatty acid supplement or placebo for six months. They found that those who took a fatty acid supplement experience significant relief in PMS symptoms. They also found that those who took the supplement for six months found greater relief than those who took them for only two months.
PMT or PMS affects between 80% and 95% of women of reproductive age. Most of these women are unable to pursue their routine activities. The symptoms typically strike 10 to 12 days before a woman has her period. This includes mood swings like irritability, depression and anger outbursts. Along with this a woman may suffer abdominal cramps, bloating, headaches and palpitations. Nearly 15% may suffer severely and are termed to be having pre-menstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). PMDD may require psychiatric help which may otherwise lead to suicide and murder.
The Brazilian researchers writing in the journal Reproductive Health, where the study was published, have said that the capsules contain a mix of oils including gamma linolenic acid, oleic acid and linoleic acid, combined with vitamin E. Lead researcher Dr Edilberto Rocha Filho, from the Federal University of Pernambuco, Brazil, said, “The negative effect of PMS on a woman’s routine activities and quality of life may be significant, in addition to the repercussions on economic costs resulting predominantly from a reduction in productivity… Essential oil capsules can now be said to show much promise as a treatment.”
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