Abstract
Abstract:Background: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a group of physical and psychological
symptoms experienced by some females of reproductive age during the luteal phase of their
menstrual cycle (Day 14 to Day 1 of the next menstruation cycle). PMS is characterised by
breast tenderness, abdominal bloating, headaches, food cravings and swelling of the
extremities, irritability, depression, anxiety, social withdrawal and memory changes. These
symptoms may interfere with females’ daily activities, increase absenteeism from work and
affect relationships. The aetiology appears to be multifactorial, including behaviour, diet,
genetics, physical activity and excessive alcohol consumption. Conventional pharmacological
drugs used to treat/alleviate symptoms may have side-effects and may interact negatively
with other medications. Given the difficulty of finding the right homoeopathic remedy for a
given individual and condition, this study proposes using the Grant Bentley Method (GBM)
of Homoeopathic Facial Analysis (HFA) to choose remedies for women suffering from PMS.
The GBM relies on homoeopathic case-taking, photographs of facial features and
repertorisation to determine a person’s dominant miasmatic group to help select specific
homoeopathic remedies. Prior research indicates that using individualised homoeopathic
treatment in PMS is effective, but no prior studies have considered homoeopathic treatment
using the GBM of HFA on women with PMS.
Aim: This study aimed to determine the efficacy of individualised homoeopathic treatment,
using the GBM of HFA on females experiencing PMS by means of case studies and a daily
self-grading PMS symptom grading chart.
Methodology: A 12-week case study was done on ten females (aged 18 to 40 years) who met
the study’s inclusion and exclusion criteria. Volunteers recruited via posters on the
Doornfontein Campus of the University of Johannesburg, South Africa, were screened for
inclusion. Participation information was explained, and volunteers signed a consent form and
a medical photograph consent form. Participants’ individual homoeopathic case histories
were recorded, and nine photographs (not published) were taken of each participant’s facial
features from different angles to determine their dominant miasmatic group according to the
GBM. During the first consultation (and if necessary in a follow-up consultation), appropriate
physical examinations were done. Findings were recorded. Participants were given a monthly
self-grading PMS symptom chart to grade symptoms daily throughout the study. During the
first month, there was no treatment, in order to establish a baseline of symptoms. At follow...