Supplegen Magazine : Starflex™ Unhappy Periods?

If you feel sad and unhappy around the time of your period, experiencing unpleasant physical (e.g. abdominal bloating, headaches, muscle and joint pain and breast tenderness) and psychological symptoms (e.g. fatigue, forgetfulness, food and alcohol cravings, poor concentration, irritability and mood changes) you are not alone! At least 75% of women report some uncomfortable symptoms around the time of their period. For most women these symptoms are mild and tolerable but they can be disabling and cause significant disruption to day-day living. Sometimes the symptoms can last for as long as two weeks before a period and not surprisingly they can have a big impact on a woman's quality of life.

This collection of symptoms has become known as premenstrual syndrome (PMS) which is widely defined as a recurrent, cyclical disorder related to the hormonal variations in the menstrual cycle. Symptoms occur during the luteal phase of the cycle and resolve soon after the onset of the period. Experts believe that the symptoms of PMS are a result of an enhanced sensitivity to normal cyclical hormonal changes. Changes in the levels of circulating progesterone and oestrogen effect neurotransmisson in the brain, in particular the serotonergic system, and may be the cause of psychological symptoms such as mood swings and irritability.

As with many chronic conditions, lifestyle changes can help to reduce symptoms to more manageable levels. Clinicians often recommend avoidance of caffeine, sugar and sodium, decreasing alcohol and nicotine intake and having enough sleep. There is evidence to suggest that regular exercise may help to combat both the psychological and the physiological symptoms of PMS. Therapies such as acupuncture, aromatherapy, massage and homeopathy have also helped many women. Supplementation with various minerals and nutrients has been studied in clinical trials and found to be helpful. Furthermore there is evidence that the levels of some of these nutrients fluctuate in line with the menstrual cycle. Specifically, Vitamin B6, vitamin E, calcium and magnesium are believed to be useful in managing many of the physical and psychological symptoms. Naturally, ensuring your diet is rich in these nutrients may also be beneficial.

There is also some interesting evidence that links the symptoms of PMS with a relative deficiency in gamma-linoleic acid (GLA), an essential omega 6 fatty acid. GLA is important for many bodily functions and is generally ingested in an inactive form, linoleic acid, and later converted to GLA by the body. Some scientists believe that women with PMS are unable to convert dietary linoleic acid into GLA resulting in a deficiency. Research also indicates that women who are deficient in GLA can be oversensitive to the hormone prolactin, which is linked to breast pain, a common symptom of PMS. By helping to stabilize hormone levels and reduce inflammation, it is possible that GLA might also ease bloating, cramping, and other PMS discomforts.

Several clinical trials have illustrated the beneficial effects of GLA supplementation on symptoms of PMS in particular cyclical breast pain. Emerging evidence is also highlighting the importance of optimum levels of essential fatty acids in maintaining mental health. And GLA may also have beneficial effects on joints and mobility, hair and skin, lack of energy and food cravings.

Although, dietary sources of GLA are rare, it is found in borage or starflower, evening primrose, hemp and blackcurrant oils. Borage oil is a rich source of GLA containing approximately twice as much as evening primrose oil. As research suggests that a body deficient in GLA may be more susceptible to the symptoms of PMS, it makes sense to supplement your diet, ensure optimum GLA levels and protection from the disabling symptoms of PMS. Supplegen's Starflex ™ contains a combination of two compounds which many women have found helpful in controlling PMS symptoms - borage oil (20% GLA) and vitamin E - in a convenient capsule to be taken once a day.

Supplegen also have an omega 3 product - Omega 3 MAX - which you may find helpful. All Supplegen products have been developed using superior biochemical blends and formulations of carefully selected herbal extracts, each one chosen for it's known relevant health benefits.