Zinc – a simple treatment for PMS
In a recent randomised controlled trial, zinc supplementation significantly improved moderate to severe premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms.
This prospective trial using a screening tool and questionnaire to analyse the symptoms of 142 women, aged 20-35 years, with PMS.
The treatment group took 50mg elemental zinc (in sulfate form) from day 16 of their menstrual cycle to the second day of their next cycle, for three months.
The prevalence of PMS significantly decreased to 9.5% in the first month, 6% in the second month and 2.6% in the third month. The control group rates remained around 13-14% for the trial period.
Additionally, health-related quality of life scores were significantly improved with the zinc supplementation.
