PMS is a “biopsychosocial” phenomenon with a complex etiology. Certain physical and psychological symptoms recur regularly at the same phase of each menstrual cycle. PMS symptoms begin after ovulation, often intensifying as menstruation approaches. Symptoms cease with the onset of menstruation, or bleeding.

Every woman with PMS suffers a different set of physical and emotional symptoms. Symptoms and their intensity vary from woman to woman, and from month to month, making each PMS sufferer unique. Listed below are the major, but by no means all, of the symptoms most often reported.

DIAGNOSIS OF PMS

Diagnosis depends on the timing of symptoms in each menstrual cycle, and not on the symptoms themselves. The symptoms will occur on a regular basis, beginning after ovulation, and ceasing with menses.

Recording symptoms and the dates of menstruation on a menstrual chart for a 3 month period is the only method of diagnosis.

Symptoms clustered before menstruation indicate PMS, symptoms scattered about the chart with no discernable pattern indicate factors other than PMS are affecting the woman. However, most women know intuitively when they have PMS.

MOST PREVALENT CAUSES OF PMS

PMS is brought on by a combination of diet, stress, vitamin and especially mineral deficiency.

PMS AND WEIGHT GAIN

Women reporting PMS symptoms have consistently been found to have significantly less magnesium in their blood. Without necessary magnesium levels insulin cannot be produced, and without insulin glucose conversion is not possible.

Failing to receive glucose, the brain detects a lack of sugar, and will release signals triggering the “sweet tooth.” This sets off cravings for sweets, especially chocolate, which is rich in magnesium.

Refined sugar is absorbed into the blood stream faster than any other food and increases insulin by a factor of 3 to 11 times. This sudden rise in blood sugar levels triggers insulin release far in excess of what is needed. This causes a precipitous drop in blood sugar levels, the so called “sugar-crash.” This causes the brain to signal for more sugar; setting in motion a self-perpetuating cycle.

Sudden increased sugar intake triggers hypoglycemia which results in palpitation and fainting. Rapid drops in blood sugar levels cause headaches and fatigue. These alternating symptoms lead women to feel “out of control.” Researchers have termed this up-and-down sensation the “roller-coaster effect.”

Long term weight reduction and control is much more likely to be effected by the management of PMS then dieting.

CRITICAL IMPORTANCE OF INVERTED CALCIUm - MAGNESIUM RATIO

Women experiencing PMS have been found consistently to have low blood magnesium levels. Emphasizing magnesium intake over calcium is critical in preventing PMS.

Increasing magnesium intake by 300 to 400 mg. daily is the only way to break the self-perpetuating cycle causing the “sweet tooth.” Magnesium deficiency is also the primary cause of dysmenorrhea, or cramps.

Magnesium and calcium must be taken together for either one to be effectively absorbed. Research indicates a ratio of 2 to 1 is best for maximum absorption.

A most important feature of Ultravite is a magnesium to calcium ratio of 2 to 1. Ultravite provides 400 to 600 mg. of magnesium in the recommended daily dose of 4 to 6 caplets.

THE EFFECT ESTROGEN PLAYS IN PMS

Estrogen imbalance increases activity of the biogenic amines, epinephrine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. Epinephrine triggers anxiety. Norepinephrine causes hostility and irritability. Serotonin creates nervous tension, and inability to concentrate.

Estrogen also increases the level of the adrenal hormone aldosterone. This creates edema-like symptoms of bloating, abdominal swelling, and swollen breasts.

Excess fluid swells the nerve tissue and membranes surrounding the brain. The brain is encased within the skull, and can only expand as far as the skull permits. This leads to torturous headaches described as “vise-like.”

B6 deficiency causes decreased liver metabolism of estrogen, causing an excess of estrogen, this results in “estrogen dominance.”

VITAL NEED FOR B6

To prevent “estrogen dominance” and its negative influence on moods and fluid retention, increased intake of B6 is absolutely essential.

Refining flour eliminates B vitamins altogether, B6 is destroyed in cooking and canning, and when foods are packaged. Pregnancy and birth-control pills also cause a B6 deficiency.

The minimum recommended daily dosage of Ultravite provides the necessary blood levels to prevent B6 deficiency.

UNIQUE B-COMPLEX OF ULTRAVITE

B vitamins, the “energy vitamins,” have attributes which set them apart from all other vitamins. B vitamins are synergistic, to achieve optimum efficiency all the B vitamins must be taken in a particular ratio.

B1 (thiamine) an important neurotransmitter necessary for health of the nervous system. Confusion is a symptom of B1 deficiency.

B2 (riboflavin) prevents acne, is instrumental in cell respiration, maintaining good vision, health hair, skin, and nails.

B3 (niacin) helps with hypoglycemia, anxiety, and depression. Stimulates blood flow in the capillaries helping to relieve migraine-type headaches.

B5 (pantothenic acid) supports increased production of adrenal hormones to counter-act stress and enhance metabolism.

B12 (cobalamin) makes up for anemia, weakness, and fatigue brought on by menstrual problems.

Folic acid fights irritability, headaches, heart palpitations, forgetfulness, and a feeling of paranoia.

Inositol acts with choline in helping brain cell nutrition and emulsifies and distributes body fat.

Para-aminobenzoic Acid (PABA) supports acid production and deficiency of PABA is the most likely cause of graying hair.

Biotin reduces blood sugar.

B-complex contained in Ultravite is in the optimal ratio for PMS prevention.

VITAL IMPORTANCE OF OTHER MINERALS

Potassium maintains the body’s water balance in conjunction with sodium. Potassium to sodium, at a ratio of 2 to 1, is necessary for proper fluid retention. Potassium is now deficient in our diets while sodium (salt) intake has soared, causing fluid retention.

Iron is essential to all menstruating women. About 30-40 mg. of iron will be lost during an average menstrual cycle. Even a slight iron deficiency can result in fatigue and lethargy.

Manganese deficiency causes decreased ability to remove excess sugar from the blood. It also improves memory and dizziness is a sure sign of manganese deficiency.

Zinc levels are low in women with PMS. There is a high correlation between zinc deficiency and depressive moods in women.

Selenium alleviates hot flashes, helps vitamin E work better, and is important in reducing the risk of breast cancer.

Iodine is necessary for the proper functioning of the thyroid. Without adequate thyroid activity women will suffer excessive fatigue, excess weight, and constipation.

Chromium is intimately involved in blood-glucose regulation.

Ultravite contains all the mineral needs in the proper dosage to relieve and prevent PMS symptoms mineral deficiency will cause.

TOTAL VITAMIN NEEDS

Vitamin C intake is essential because the human body cannot manufacture it. Vitamin C prevents disease by neutralizing free radical molecules. Vitamin C is used more rapidly under stress and city dwellers need much more as carbon monoxide destroys vitamin C.

Vitamin A is necessary for the body to ward off environmental pollutants, and prevents development of breast and cervical cancer.

Vitamin E provides relief from hot flashes, cramps, and menstrual pain.

Vitamin D is necessary for calcium and magnesium to be absorbed.

Recommended daily dosage of Ultravite provides women with the vitamin requirements necessary to prevent PMS.

WHAT IS CHELATION?

Pronounced “key-late,” is the process of bonding inorganic minerals with amino acids.

When chelated to amino acids minerals are soluble (dissolved) so they become bioavailable. Absorption takes place more efficiently and uptake is more rapid.

All minerals in Ultravite are chelated to amino acids for efficient absorption and maximum utilization.

BENEFITS OF TAKING ULTRAVITE

Within 1 month of taking Ultravite, PMS symptoms will decrease. Due to the synergistic effect of Ultravite there is a progressive decrease in the number of symptoms and their intensity on a month to month basis.

Maximum relief is achieved after 3 to 4 consecutive menstrual cycles of taking Ultravite.

PMS DOES NOT GO AWAY OVER NIGHT

Many women stop taking Ultravite after achieving total relief from PMS, only to find their PMS promptly resurface.

Renewal of PMS symptoms cannot be quickly alleviated by simply taking Ultravite again. The sufferer will find themselves back where they began before discovering Ultravite.

Once again it will take 3 to 4 consecutive menstrual cycles of taking Ultravite to get their PMS back under control. The key to success with Ultravite is to be observant and disciplined.

DOSAGE

Take 2 caplets twice a day, total of 4 caplets a day preceding ovulation, or until your symptoms begin. After ovulation, or when symptoms begin, increase to 2 caplets a day, 3 times a day, for a total of 6 caplets a day. After menstruation, or the cessation of symptoms, reduce dosage back to 4 caplets daily.

For women with severe symptoms the dosage may be increased to 6 caplets a day prior to the on-set of symptoms. Increase to 8 to 10 caplets a day, always with food, as long as your symptoms persist. Do not take more than 12 caplets a day without medical supervision.

Ultravite is a powerful formula, some women may experience nausea, upset stomach, bloating, flatulence, diarrhea and burping when the dosage exceeds 6 caplets a day or when taken on an empty stomach. Side-effects can be controlled by adjusting the dosage down and always take Ultravite with food.