An Observational Study on the Efficacy of Individualised Homoeopathic Treatment on Premenstrual Syndrome
An Observational Study on the Efficacy of Individualised Homoeopathic Treatment on Premenstrual Syndrome
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a group of physical, mental and behavioural symptoms that
 occur cyclically through the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle and resolve within three
 days of the onset of menstruation. Many women are affected by the physical and psychological
 symptoms of PMS. The symptoms of PMS can change behaviour and wellbeing of women which has an
 impact on families, social life and work. Research has shown that women with PMS reported
 additional days missed at work compared to women that do not suffer with PMS. A study done by
 Brohi et al. (2011) showed that PMS is a common problem that occurs in 81.25% of women and
 has an adverse impact on a woman's quality of life. Conventional treatment is limited, not
 always effective and is associated with many side effects. Research using individualised
 homeopathic treatment, known as the homeopathic similimum, in PMS has shown to be well
 tolerated as well as have a positive impact on the symptoms of PMS although further research
 is warranted in this regard. There have not been any studies done on homeopathic treatment in
 Indian females in South Africa.

 The aim of this study is to determine the effect of individualised homeopathic treatment on
 females of Indian origin who are suffering with symptoms of PMS, using observational studies.
This study will be a 12 week observational study of an embedded mixed method design and will
 be conducted over 12 weeks, consisting of four consultations 4 weeks apart, at the
 Homeopathic Health Centre, University of Johannesburg Doornfontein Campus. Ten South African
 Indian females, between 18-40 years of age, who experience PMS symptoms will be recruited
 through the placement of advertisements placed at health stores, homoeopathic/medical
 practices and on the University campus (with the relevant permission granted).

 Each participant must meet the criteria of the selection questionaire. In the first
 consultation, the researcher will explain the study to the participant. The participant will
 then be requested to sign the Participant Information and Consent Form. A full case history
 will be taken using a standard homeopathic case taking form. Each participant will be given a
 PMS chart to score their symptoms every day for the following 4 weeks in order to establish
 the baseline of each participant's premenstrual symptoms. No treatment will be prescribed in
 this period.

 Participants will be reminded of their appointments via email and text message before every
 follow up consultation. Each follow-up consultation will consist of a homoeopathic case
 taking, relevant physical examination and the collection of the PMS-chart which was completed
 over the previous 4 weeks by the participant.

 After each follow-up consultation, the researcher will establish the participant's
 individualised homoeopathic remedy according to the principles of classical homoeopathy by
 using the Complete Repertory 2014 provided in Mercurius® repertory software and the standard
 Materia Medica, with the guidance of the supervisor or co-supervisor. The potency and dosage
 of each remedy will be determined in accordance with the principles of individualised
 homoeopathic prescribing as described by De Schepper. The selected remedy will then be
 dispensed to the participant. No remedy will be dispensed at week 12. The participant will
 return a completed PMS-chart, completed over a 4 week period, to the researcher at weeks 4, 8
 and 12.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Females between ages of 18 and 40 years who experience PMS on a monthly basis;

 -  females who experience an increase in at least one of the following mental and
 physical symptoms at least fourteen days before their menses begin, in each of the
 three preceding menstrual cycles: Mental symptoms: irritability, depression or anxiety
 Physical symptoms: breast tenderness or swelling, abdominal bloating, headaches,
 swelling of extremities or food cravings; and

 -  females who have an amelioration of the above symptoms within three days of the onset
 of menses and symptoms should not reoccur until at least day thirteen of the cycle.

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Irregular menstrual cycles;

 -  lactating females;

 -  prediagnosed anxiety and depression;

 -  use of sex hormones except the oral contraceptive (must have been used for a minimum
 of 3 months) or concomitant psychotherapies and alternate therapies for PMS

 -  pregnant females