Canterbury: A University of Canterbury psychology research team is testing
whether or not a micronutrient formula can be effective in eliminating
symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. The Mental Health and Nutrition Research Group aims to compare the
new formula to the already proven effective vitamin B6 treatment. PhD
student Hahna Retallick-Brown says by conducting their study they hope
to broaden the treatment options for women who choose to use natural
remedies for premenstrual tension (PMT).
“Imagine for at least one week of every month getting an onslaught of
physical and emotional symptoms. Women can feel tired, bloated,
irritable, angry, sad, and anxious, have difficulty sleeping, experience
joint and stomach pain, have more arguments with people they love, and
feel out of control or notice less interest in normal activities.
“For 20 to 40 percent of ovulating women this is the reality. They
have something known as premenstrual syndrome (PMS). And for up to a
further six percent of this number the symptoms might be severe enough
to warrant a mental health diagnosis of premenstrual dysphoric disorder
(PMDD).
“For severely affected women roughly 3000 days of their reproductive
years are spent in the grip of premenstrual complaints. It’s no wonder
then that PMS or PMDD can have such a debilitating effect on not only a
woman’s mental and physical health but also on their relationships,
hobbies, and careers.
“While available treatment options include lifestyle change, hormone
therapies and the use of pharmaceutical medicines, many women choose
natural remedies over medications. Vitamin B6 has long been known as an
effective natural remedy.
“New and exciting research indicates that micronutrient formulas (a
blend of vitamins and minerals) may also be effective. Anecdotal reports
from studies already carried out at the University of Canterbury have
indicated an overall PMS symptom improvement in women suffering from
PMS.
“Micronutrient formulas have been gaining prominence in the treatment
of a variety of mental health disorders with large treatment results
often observed. Specifically, given their use in the treatment of mood,
anxiety, and anger problems, it is possible they may also have an effect
on PMS or PMDD. This effect may be even larger than the results seen
from treating PMS with vitamin B6 alone due to the benefits of combining
nutrients.”
Retallick-Brown’s doctoral research is being supervised by Professor
Julia Rucklidge, director of the university’s Mental Health and
Nutrition Research Group and Professor Neville Blampied. The study will
involve 60 women participants over the age of 18 and currently
medication. For further information see: http://bit.ly/UCnutritionresearch.
For further information please contact:
Kip Brook
Media Consultant
Student Services and Communications
University of Canterbury
Ph: (03) 364 3325
Mobile: 027 5030 168
kip.brook@canterbury.ac.nz