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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by memoryleaves on December 9, 2004, at 15:07:08
Hi. Does anyone here have any personal experience with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder and St. John's Wort?
I tried 5-HTP and it did not help. In fact, I feel a little bit better since stopping it. I was taking a very small dose. Maybe it needed to be higher, not sure.
I read that studies have shown that calcium is very helpful for PMDD so I have begun taking supplements. But I know I need something more. I can't stand to be around myself those 2 weeks out of every single month. I have Klonopin and gawd do i love my Klonopin, but I refuse to allow myself to take it everyday. Speaking of which, are there any interactions between SJW and Klonopin?
What brands and doses of SJW would you recommend?
Thanks so much!
Posted by jujube on December 9, 2004, at 17:14:06
In reply to PMDD St. John's Wort, posted by memoryleaves on December 9, 2004, at 15:07:08
I, too, suffer greatly each month with PMDD. I find that as I get older, the symptoms seem to get worse. I have never tried St. John's Wort for PMDD, but I have just started taking (about 2 days ago) Vitex (Chasteberry), which is supposed to be a very good natural supplement for PMDD. In my research on Vitex (Chasteberry), I found the following (among a lot of other information): Recent findings confirm that Chaste Tree helps restore a normal estrogen-to-progesterone balance. It can not only ease, but with time, actually cure premenstrual syndrome, which has been linked to abnormally high levels of estrogen, especially if symptoms tend to disappear when menstruation begins. European herbalists also used it historically to treat fibroid tumors and other female complaints. As the baby-boom generation passes into menopause, this herb will be rediscovered by women looking for a natural alternative to estrogen replacement therapy.
Hopefully others on the board will be able to tell you whether St. John's Wort would be effective for PMDD.
Tamara
> Hi. Does anyone here have any personal experience with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder and St. John's Wort?
>
> I tried 5-HTP and it did not help. In fact, I feel a little bit better since stopping it. I was taking a very small dose. Maybe it needed to be higher, not sure.
>
> I read that studies have shown that calcium is very helpful for PMDD so I have begun taking supplements. But I know I need something more. I can't stand to be around myself those 2 weeks out of every single month. I have Klonopin and gawd do i love my Klonopin, but I refuse to allow myself to take it everyday. Speaking of which, are there any interactions between SJW and Klonopin?
>
> What brands and doses of SJW would you recommend?
>
> Thanks so much!
Posted by memoryleaves on December 9, 2004, at 17:37:46
In reply to Re: PMDD St. John's Wort » memoryleaves, posted by jujube on December 9, 2004, at 17:14:06
Thanks for responding. The information you provided for me I found very helpful. Especially the part about the symptoms of PMDD disappearing as soon as menstruation begins. That is exactly what happens to me, so perhaps Vitex is something I should look into for myself.
I'd love to hear how you do on Vitex over time if you don't mind sharing. I wish you well with it. PMDD is a waking nightmare. I'm sorry anybody has to go through it.
All the best,
Memory
Posted by alexandra_k on December 12, 2004, at 0:23:07
In reply to Re: PMDD St. John's Wort » jujube, posted by memoryleaves on December 9, 2004, at 17:37:46
I had a psychologist reccomend evening primrose oil for that. Quite a high (expensive) dose, though. But I do think that it worked rather well. Had to stop taking it though because I couldn't afford it.
This is the end of the thread.
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