An integrative medicine approach to premenstrual syndrome.
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) approaches are widely used by women with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). This article provides a comprehensive review of the medical literature on clinical applications of CAM for these conditions. The information was collected via a Medline review dating back to 1966 and subsequent selected review of bibliographies from these articles for non-Medline referenced but relevant clinical studies. For many of the therapies discussed, there is a lack of conclusive evidence either confirming or refuting efficacy. For other therapies, including certain herbal and nutritional approaches, the use of exercise, and the use of mind-body approaches, there is substantial evidence of efficacy. This review will be relevant to the practicing clinician seeking to become aware of and to understand the relevance of the complementary/alternative therapies being used by his/her patients for PMS and PMDD.
Continuum Center for Health and Healing, New York, NY 10016, USA.
Andrea
A
Girman
Roberta
R
Lee
Benjamin
B
Kligler
D031885:Cimicifuga; D000529:Complementary Therapies; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D005260:Female; D020441:Ginkgo biloba; D006801:Humans; D020902:Hypericum; D020901:Kava; D031665:Oenothera biennis; D008517:Phytotherapy; D011293:Premenstrual Syndrome / Q000628:therapy*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D020950:Vitex