Premenstrual Syndrome and Magnesium

Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (PMS) has been known since ancient times and was defined by Hippocrates as “suicidal thoughts and mood changes that begin in some women before menstruation.”

The nomenclature for premenstrual disorders was introduced in the early 19th century. It has changed over the years, turning into "premenstrual tension" and "premenstrual syndrome" in the 1950s.

Premenstrual symptoms can affect all women of reproductive age, from menarche to menopause. Epidemiological studies show that approximately 80% to 90% of women experience at least one of the symptoms of PMS. However, in only 2.5% to 3% of women, premenstrual syndrome symptoms are severe enough to affect vital activities and social communication.

The etiology of premenstrual syndrome is unclear. It is discussed that changes in estrogen, progesterone, prostaglandin, aldosterone, prolactin, serotonin, renin-angiotensin mechanism, endorphin activity, some mineral and vitamin levels may be responsible.

There is a strong relationship between Body Mass Index (BMI) and PMS risk. . Each 1 kg/m2 increase increased the incidence of PMS by 3%. Women with a BMI of 27.5 or above have a significantly increased risk of PMS compared to women with a BMI of less than 20.0 kg/m2.

Premenstrual Syndrome and Its Treatment

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The main purpose of treatment is symptom relief and reducing the negative effects on daily routine activities. The treatment of PMS is divided into two as pharmacotherapy and non-pharmacological treatment. In non-treatments, especially cognitive and behavioral therapies, exercises, massage therapy, light therapy, as well as diet and nutritional modifications have proven to be beneficial in alleviating menstrual symptoms.

One of the treatment approaches recommended for the syndrome is magnesium (Mg) supplementation.

Premenstrual Syndrome and Magnesium

It has been found that the magnesium content of erythrocytes and leukocytes of women with premenstrual syndrome is lower than other women.

Magnesium is important in nerve conduction and muscle function, heart rhythm, blood pressure, bone integrity, glucose and insulin metabolism (26). and this prevents the transmission of signals more than necessary by preventing the activation of the cell. In this way, possible situations such as muscle spasms, cramps, pain and muscle fatigue are prevented.

It has been shown that glucose tolerance curve of women before menstruation is low or flat, and some are significantly hypoglycemic. Many enzymes in carbohydrate metabolism are cofactors. does not require magnesium. Intracellular magnesium deficiency may lead to impaired insulin sensitivity in adiposity and muscle cells during glucose-induced insulin secretion and insulin signaling. .

It has been suggested that there is a relationship between magnesium levels in the blood and sleep, and it has been found that group B vitamins and magnesium intake are associated with sleep quality and regulation of wake-up rhythm.

Facchinetti et al. In a study of 32 women with PMS, the magnesium group reported a significant reduction in the severity of PMS symptoms, and a significant reduction in the severity of water retention and pain symptoms, compared to the placebo group.

PMS lasting 3 months by Quaranta et al. In a study on the efficacy and safety of Magnesium in the treatment of 41 women, it was shown that Mg has a high effect on the severity of depression, appetite and anxiety symptoms.

In a study by Walker et al. It was reported that there was a significant reduction in the severity of water retention (edema) symptoms in the group that took 200 mg of magnesium supplements daily for two menstrual cycles.

In the study conducted by De Souza et al. with 44 female participants affected by PMS during 5 menstrual cycles, PMS-related symptoms were evaluated by dividing them into subgroups such as anxiety, appetite, depression, hydration and 200 mg/day Mg + It was shown that anxiety-related symptoms (nervous tension, mood swings, irritability) were significantly reduced in the group that received 50 mg/day vitamin B6 supplementation.

As a result; The main strategies to be followed are lifestyle changes, especially nutrition. It has been reported that the intracellular magnesium concentration is lower in women with PMS. Magnesium deficiency has been among the factors that can cause some symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Therefore, it has been suggested that magnesium supplementation may improve certain symptoms (anxiety, appetite, depression, hydration) in women with PMS.

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