Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a cluster of physical and emotional symptoms associated with the menstrual cycle. Most women experience some degree of PMS at some point in their menstrual history, although symptoms vary significantly from woman to woman. Reproductive hormones and neurotransmitters are thought to play a central role in the etiology of PMS. Five to ten days prior to menses, plasma estrogens rise and progesterone levels decline. These changes are accompanied by an increase in follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) six to nine days prior to menstruation, and peak aldosterone levels two to eight days before menstruation. Prolactin levels are elevated in most PMS patients. Other biochemical pathways such as the insulin response, and uptake of vitamins and minerals are being studied as potential causative factors. One hypothesis suggests that PMS may be due to an aberration in blood viscosity and red blood cell hydration during the menstrual cycle.

Vitamin B1, also known as thiamine, was the first of the B vitamins to be discovered. Vitamin B1 plays a vital role in the conversion of blood sugar (glucose) to energy in the Krebs cycle and is involved in the synthesis of acetylcholine. Its metabolic activities primarily affect the nerves, muscles, and cardiovascular system.

Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) is essential for normal growth and development, reproduction, lactation, physical performance, and well-being. It participates in essential biochemical reactions, especially those that yield energy. Vitamin B2 is water-soluble and, like other B vitamins, it is not appreciably stored and must be supplied daily. Riboflavin belongs to a group of yellow fluorescent pigments called flavins. In its pure state, it is a yellow crystalline powder with a slight odor. When excreted, it gives the urine a characteristic bright yellow color.

A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition evaluated whether vitamin B intake has an effect on the incidence of premenstrual syndrome. The study included 1,057 women with PMS and 1,968 women without PMS who served as controls.

Researchers were able to determine that women with the highest dietary intakes of thiamine and riboflavin had a 35 percent lower risk of developing PMS than women with the lowest average intakes. There were no observed benefits with the other B vitamins, which included niacin, folate, B6 and B12. These findings suggest that women with a diet rich in vitamins B1 and B2 have a significantly lower risk of developing premenstrual syndrome.1


1 Chocano-Bedoya PO, Manson JE, Hankinson SE, et al. Dietary B vitamin intake and incident premenstrual syndrome. Am J Clin Nutr. Feb2011.

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- Jim
"Show me a sane man and I will cure him for you." �Carl Gustav Jung