Abstract
Abstract: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 (Delera et al., 2012). More women are affected by the physical and psychological
symptoms of premenstrual syndrome than any other condition. 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. The symptoms of PMS can change the behavior and wellbeing of
women which has an impact on families, social life and work (Campagne and Campagne, 2007).
Research has shown that women with PMS reported additional days missed from work compared to
women that do not suffer with PMS (Lustyk and Gerrish, 2010). 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 (Zaka and Mahmood, 2012). Research using individualised
homeopathic treatment in PMS has been shown to be effective (Yakir et al., 2001), however there
have not been any studies done on homeopathic treatment in Indian females in South Africa.
The aim of this observational study was to determine the efficacy of individualised homeopathic
treatment on females of Indian origin in South Africa who were suffering with symptoms of PMS
using case studies and a PMS grading chart.
This was a 12 week individualised homeopathic study conducted at the Homeopathic Health
Training Centre on the UJ Doornfontein Campus. South African Indian females between 18-40
years of age were recruited using advertisements in the form of posters. Ten South African Indian
females participated in this study. Each participant attended a total of four consultations over a 12
week period. During the first consultation the researcher explained the study to the individuals who
met the criteria based on the selection questionnaire, they were then requested to sign the Participant
Information and Consent Form. A full case history was taken using a standard homeopathic case
taking form. Participants were required to score their daily symptoms on a PMS chart from the
beginning of each menstrual cycle until the beginning of the next cycle. A baseline of each
participant’s premenstrual symptoms was established by an initial treatment free month. During the
follow up consultations (week 4, 8 and end of week 12) the PMS charts were collected, and a case
taking and relevant physical examinations were completed. At the end of the consultation in week...