PMS, or premenstrual syndrome, affects a significant number of women, with up to 75% experiencing symptoms related to their menstrual cycle (source). The emotional symptoms associated with PMS, such as mood swings and irritability, can be particularly challenging to deal with on a monthly basis. Thankfully, there are natural supplements available that claim to minimize or even eliminate these symptoms. We'll be covering Kittie and Serenol. If you want the short answer Kittie is the much better option, but we'll cover both in detail below.
Kittie: A Comprehensive Approach
Ingredients: Lactobacillus paragasseri, Evening Primrose Powder, Vitamin E, Vitamin B6, Ginkgo, Chasteberry, Ginger Extract, Iron, Vitamin D, 5-HTP, Ginseng, Magnesium Glycinate
Kittie is a PMS supplement that takes a comprehensive approach to alleviate symptoms. It covers everything from vitamins and minerals through the most well studied herbal extracts and even probiotics.
Let's start the Kittie breakdown with Evening Primrose Powder. This herbal extract is rich in omega-6 fatty acids, phenolic acids, triterpenes, and vitamin E. Research suggests that Evening Primrose Powder can regulate prolactin levels, reduce or prevent PMS symptoms such as breast pain, hot flashes, joint pain, and skin issues.
Kittie also contains Vitamin E, which is essential for women during their period. Women often become deficient in this vitamin, leading to hormonal imbalances and various health issues. Maintaining adequate vitamin E levels can prevent inflammation, brittle bones, poor heart and immune health, skin problems, slow metabolism, cognitive decline, and low energy levels.
Then there's 5htp which a precursor to serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with feelings of well-being and happiness. Increasing serotonin levels in the brain can help regulate mood and reduce mood swings. It can also help you sleep better during PMS meaning that it has the added benefit for Kittie.
Vitamin B6 is another key ingredient in Kittie. It plays a role in over 140 coenzyme reactions in the human body and is vital for promoting hormonal balance. Vitamin B6 supports neurotransmitter biosynthesis, keeping brain cells healthy and combating PMS symptoms like depression, mood swings, sleep issues, low energy levels, weight gain, and cramps.
Ginkgo Biloba is included in Kittie due to its powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. While commonly found in nootropic supplements, Ginkgo Biloba can also improve hormonal balance and provide benefits for women during their period. It can enhance brain, heart, and eye health, improve mental clarity and performance, boost energy levels, and prevent oxidative stress and neurotoxic effects.
Chasteberry Extract, derived from the fruit of the chaste tree, is widely used in PMS supplements. It has the ability to regulate hormone levels and alleviate various symptoms experienced during menstruation. Chasteberry Extract can help with hot flashes, breast pain, mood swings, food cravings, fatigue, sleep issues, bloating, depression, and many other PMS-related issues.
There's an awful lot more in here too, but you get the idea, they've covered off an awful lot.
Serenol: Bee Pollen
Ingredients: Pollen, Maltodextrin, Calcium Carbonate, Acacia, Isomalt, d-α-tocopheryl succinate (antioxidant), Stearic Acid, Croscarmellose Sodium, Magnesium Stearate, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (alternatively HPMC), Silica, and Polysorbate
Serenol is designed to relieve the emotional symptoms associated with PMS, such as irritability, mood swings, and uneasiness.
The primary ingredients in Serenol include Chromium (as Chromium Picolinate), a mineral essential for a healthy metabolism; a proprietary Swedish Flower Pollen extract called Sérélys, which has been shown to reduce emotional PMS symptoms; and Royal Jelly, a nutrient-rich substance known which they claim can reduce irritation and mood swings. Although there's pretty much no backing for this.
The exact mechanism of action of Serenol is not fully understood, but it is believed that the plant-based extracts in the supplement work centrally in the body to reduce PMS-related emotional symptoms. According to a study conducted by Bonafide, 77% of women experienced PMS relief within three months of taking Serenol, with reduced irritability and mood swings reported by 60% of participants. But, beyond there own study there isn't really any evidence to suggest there's enough of anything in here to do much and royal jelly doesn't have much backing at all.
Price: Serenol vs Kittie PMS Supplements
Kittie is $45 at it's best price whereas Serenol is $42, although that requires sigining up for a 3 monthly subscription. But considering that comes with a subscription and the fact that there's an awful lot more in Kittie we still think it presents better value when you're looking at a $3 difference.
Conclusion: Which is Better Serenol or Kittie?
As we said in the intro it's hands down kittie. There's a lot more scientifically backed ingredients overall and it simply has a much better chance of working. There chocolate is also an interesting take on period supplements, yes we do rate that quite highly as well, but that's another story. In general, we highly recommend giving Kittie a go. And they have a money back guarantee which we were able to verify with a mystery shopper, so it's pretty much no risk.