Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) refers to a combination of symptoms that usually starts about a week before your period, typically after ovulation and before menstruation.

What causes PMS is still unknown, but several factors may contribute to its development, including hormonal and chemical imbalance brought about by a woman’s monthly cycle.

Two Types of PMS Symptoms.

Emotional/Behavioral:
– Tension or anxiety
– Depression
– Mood swings and irritability
– Appetite changes and food cravings
– Insomnia

Physical:
– Joint or muscle pain
– Headache
– Fatigue
– Weight gain related to fluid retention
– Abdominal bloating

Some doctors might prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), diuretics, or antidepressants to manage PMS symptoms, but if you want to stick to natural solutions, a lot of women have had great results taking Shaklee’s GLA Complex (gamma-linolenic acid).

What is GLA?

GLA is an omega-6 fatty acid typically extracted from evening primrose oil or borage oil. The body uses it to form prostaglandins—chemical messengers in cells, which are molecules that signal cellular actions to help regulate many normal bodily processes.

While some believe that a high intake of omega-6 promotes low-grade inflammation, studies have shown that maintaining a healthy ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 fats is good for the heart and body.

In fact, the American Heart Association (AHA) even recommends replacing saturated fats from foods such as meat, butter, cheese and pastries with plant-based foods that contain omega-6 fatty acids, including vegetable oils, nuts, and seeds.

Benefits of GLA for PMS and Women’s Health:

1. Hormone Balance
Fluctuating hormone levels manifest themselves in different ways and can severely interfere with women’s daily lives.

Many of the symptoms commonly associated with PMS and menopause, such as mood swings, breast tenderness, and skin changes, become triggered by these hormonal imbalances.

Studies show that GLA can help balance hormone levels by regulating the production of prostaglandins, which are hormone-like chemical messengers involved in the body’s inflammatory processes such as swelling, stiffness, and pain.

So, if you are battling to control symptoms of PMS or menopause, you may find GLA  provides the support you need.

2. Weight Loss
Weight-loss is a goal for many people, as achieving a healthy body mass prevents many health complications caused by obesity. Unfortunately, most of us do not reach our weight goal or struggle to maintain a healthy one.

This hardship often caused by unregulated appetite hormones, which increase our attraction to food. Especially ones highly palatable with high energy content. This inevitably leads to weight regain and the undoing of months of hard work.

A study published a decade ago in the Journal of Nutrition discovered that GLA supplementation can help reduce the amount of weight regained following drastic weight-loss.

Although it is unclear why, the improved hormone balance helps regulate our appetite hormones, keeping our hunger levels in check.

3. Skin
Regulating prostaglandin levels may help to prevent inflammatory skin conditions and regulate the moisture level of the skin.

One study found that daily supplementation with starflower oil over twelve weeks reduced skin reddening (by an average of 40%) when compared to a placebo. It also found that participants supplementing with starflower oil lost 10% less water from the skin and had less roughness and scaling.

Most people consume more than enough omega-6 fatty acids, but there’s evidence that GLA is a special case. The mechanism behind the benefits of GLA is likely through its conversion in the body to DGLA—Dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid. DGLA is a precursor of several anti-inflammatory compounds. Although most of the studies of the purported benefits of GLA are small and not as definitive as we would like, GLA is a reasonable approach to try. As a naturally occurring oil compound in the diet and our bodies, GLA has a strong safety profile. For additional skin benefits, you can apply GLA topically.

The Benefits of Shaklee’s GLA Complex for PMS and Women’s Health

Shaklee’s GLA Complex delivers twice the concentration of GLA than evening primrose oil.  Also, unique to Shaklee, this formula  combines GLA, omega-6 fatty acid, sunflower seed oil, and vitamin E to provide nutritional support and help in dealing with:

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.