The effect of vitamin B6 on reducing symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.

The effect of vitamin B6 on reducing symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.

by | مرداد 10, 1402 | Articles

The occurrence and repetition of a series of physical and psychological symptoms during the luteal phase has been recognized as a phenomenon for centuries. This phenomenon, known as premenstrual syndrome (PMS), varies in severity and encompasses a wide range of physical, psychological, and behavioral symptoms with an unclear cause.

Epidemiological Findings Epidemiological studies indicate that approximately 75% of women experience physical and psychological symptoms before menstruation, but severe cases are reported in only 5% of instances. Although premenstrual behavioral changes were described by Hippocrates, the term “premenstrual syndrome” was first used in 1950 to describe physical and psychological symptoms that begin around two weeks before menstruation and subside with the onset of menstrual bleeding.

Importance of Symptoms The significance of these symptoms is such that they can lead to the breakdown of family relationships, personal matters, and disruption of professional functioning. A single etiology cannot explain all symptoms, and many specialists consider this syndrome a multifactorial disorder. Numerous potential causes have been suggested for these symptoms, none of which have been definitively proven. PMS is diagnosed when mood, behavioral, or physical symptoms, or a combination of them, consistently occur during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle and resolve shortly after the onset of menstruation. It must not be present for at least a week during the follicular phase and cause disruption to daily activities.

Disagreement About Treatment In addition to disagreement about the causes of these symptoms, there is also a lack of consensus regarding their treatment, with over 300 different treatments suggested. Some believe that low magnesium levels in the red blood cells of women with PMS symptoms may be the cause. Daily vitamin B6 supplementation, based on studies, may be effective in treating premenstrual syndrome. In Europe, the use of vitamin B6 supplements as a treatment has been accepted, though results in this area are inconclusive. Further studies are required to confirm the effects of vitamin B6 on PMS symptoms.

Role of the Syndrome Given the impact of this syndrome on individual and social problems, as well as the affordability, accessibility, and safety of vitamin B6, this research aims to determine the effect of vitamin B6 on premenstrual syndrome.

Research Results The findings of this study indicate a positive effect of vitamin B6 on reducing PMS symptoms. Data analysis suggests that vitamin B6 plays a positive role in reducing symptoms of:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Restlessness
  • Breast tenderness

Most studies conducted on this subject also report a positive effect of vitamin B6 on reducing PMS symptoms. The acceptance of the role of pyridoxine phosphate (the active form of vitamin B6) in the proper synthesis of various neurotransmitters can explain the reduction in symptoms like depression, anxiety, restlessness, sleepiness, and breast tenderness observed in this study.

Results of Other Studies Although research in this area shows mixed results, the number of studies supporting the positive effect of vitamin B6 on controlling PMS symptoms is notable. To improve PMS symptoms, high doses of vitamin B6 are needed for a prolonged period (throughout the entire menstrual cycle). Researchers have indicated that a decrease in red blood cells may contribute to PMS symptoms, possibly through a reduction in brain dopamine and an increase in aldosterone. This deficiency can be corrected with pyridoxine. Given the role of pyridoxine in water metabolism, regulation of adrenal hormones, and synthesis of some amino acids as cofactors, vitamin B6 supplementation throughout the menstrual cycle can reduce PMS symptoms.

Findings from Other Studies Some researchers conducted a study on 124 participants with a dose of 150 mg and observed a significant reduction in all symptoms in both the intervention and control groups. Other studies have reported similar results.

It seems that differences in the results reported by studies may be due to variations in the characteristics of the women participants, the dosage of vitamin B6, the duration of treatment, and the methods of data analysis.

Benefits of Vitamin B6 Vitamin B6 is a useful, inexpensive, and moderately effective treatment for PMS symptoms. Although there are many antidepressants available for treating psychological symptoms, they are more expensive and have numerous side effects.

Conclusion Based on the findings of this research, the use of vitamin B6 throughout the menstrual cycle is recommended to control PMS symptoms, although high doses of this medication should be used with caution.

References Salehi L, Salehi F. Comparative study of vitamin B6 versus placebo in premenstrual syndrome. SJKU 2007; 12 (3): 42-49

The effect of Vitamin B6 on breast pain reduction

The effect of Vitamin B6 on breast pain reduction

by | تیر 7, 1402 | Articles

In this article, we examine the effect of Vitamin B6 on reducing breast pain. Breast pain is one of the common issues among women who visit healthcare centers, accounting for 50 to 70 percent of visits to breast clinics.

In a large study of 2400 women over a period of 10 years, breast pain was the most common complaint, requiring evaluation and diagnostic procedures. Additionally, the fear of breast cancer is a major reason for these visits, although pain is the sole symptom of cancer in only 7% of cases. Most women experience breast pain at some point in their lives, with a prevalence rate of 65 to 70 percent. In some cases, the pain can be so severe that it affects a woman’s daily activities and quality of life, leading to interference with work, exercise, sexual activity, and social interactions.

Breast pain is categorized into three types:

  1. Cyclical pain
  2. Non-cyclical pain
  3. Exogenous pain

Cyclical Pain: This pain is related to the menstrual cycle, where it increases before menstruation and decreases with the onset of menstruation.

Non-Cyclical Pain: Pain not related to the menstrual cycle.

Exogenous Pain: The etiology of this pain is unknown. Although various factors such as hormone imbalances and psychological factors have been proposed, the exact cause remains unclear.

In many cases, after a careful evaluation and exclusion of cancer, reassurance is enough to provide adequate treatment for the pain. Several approaches have been suggested for managing this pain, including:

Non-pharmacological Treatments: These include wearing appropriate undergarments, relaxation exercises, changes in dietary habits such as limiting intake of fatty foods and caffeine.

Pharmacological Treatments: These include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, vitamins, and evening primrose oil.

Hormonal Medications: Medications like Danazol, Tamoxifen, and dopamine agonists are also used.

However, hormonal treatments can have side effects such as:

  • Hirsutism
  • Fluid retention
  • Irregular bleeding

Therefore, these treatments are recommended primarily for patients with severe pain. Additionally, in more than half of the cases, the pain recurs after discontinuing the medication. Thus, an optimal treatment plan is yet to be fully defined, and ongoing research continues to explore newer treatments with fewer side effects.

One treatment under discussion is the use of vitamins. Previous studies have focused on Vitamin E, but Vitamin B6 has emerged as a more recent treatment option for breast pain.

Features of Vitamin B6:

  • Inexpensive
  • Accessible
  • Low side effects

Recent studies have examined the effect of Vitamin B6 on breast pain, with promising results showing that it helps in reducing both the severity and frequency of pain. Other vitamins such as Vitamin B1, B6, and E have also been used in managing breast pain, with positive outcomes observed in various studies.

Research and Effects of Vitamin B6
In a study, it was identified as part of treatments for breast pain, along with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), evening primrose oil, hormonal medications such as Danazol, and Tamoxifen. It was also mentioned that specialists in the field of breast care usually initiate treatment for breast pain with NSAIDs, evening primrose oil, Vitamin B6, and/or Tamoxifen, and use other hormonal drugs for more serious issues.

In another study on cyclical breast pain, 13% of 276 general surgeons who were randomly selected, used Vitamin B6 as an elective treatment for post-confirmation cyclical pain and for persistent pain. This study suggests that specialists in the field of breast care are more inclined to use treatments with fewer side effects, such as Vitamin B6, as compared to medications like Danazol and bromocriptine, which are prescribed for patients with severe and prolonged pain.

In studies conducted by some researchers, patients with cyclical pain were divided into groups treated with aspirin, a combination of retinol, Vitamin B6, tocopherol acetate, and another group with various medications. All patients experienced a reduction in pain intensity, with the medication group showing the most significant reduction. This study was specifically focused on cyclical breast pain, using a combination of vitamins, not just Vitamin B6 alone.

Another study revealed that Vitamin B6 is effective for both types of breast pain, particularly cyclical pain.

Another important point is the psychological factors affecting the response to treatment. Many patients with breast pain are deeply concerned that their pain might be a symptom of breast cancer. Providing reassurance significantly alleviates their anxiety. Additionally, responses to treatment were positive in all patients who participated in the study, regardless of the type of medication used.

The effectiveness of reassurance in treating patients with breast pain:

78% to 85%

Conclusion:
Given the findings from various studies, Vitamin B6 can be used alongside reassurance to reduce breast pain. It is a low-cost, accessible, and safe medication, with no reported side effects when taken at a dose of 200 mg per day.

Source:
Soltany S, Hemmati H R, Alavy Toussy J, Gholamaliyan E. Effect of vitamin B6 on mastalgia: A double-blind clinical trial. Koomesh 1395; 17(4): 950-956.