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This refers to a
range of symptoms occurring in the lead up to their menstrual
period.
What to look for
One or more of these symptoms
may appear about a week before your period:
food cravings.
bloating and fluid
retention.
breast swelling and
pain.
acne.
weight gain.
headaches,
backaches.
urinary disorders.
moodiness, anxiety,
crying.
insomnia.
drowsiness and fatigue.
nausea and clumsiness
Some women with premenstrual
syndrome can become violent and aggressive during this time.
PMS is a physical condition
that typically recurs during a particular phase of the menstrual cycle. It
is common for most women to experience at least one PMS symptom sometime in
her life and normally it occurs more regularly. The symptoms vary with each
woman.
Hormonal fluctuations can
make this condition worse and more pronounced such as after childbirth, a
miscarriage, an abortion. Women who discontinue birth-control pills may also
experience PMS.
Causes
There is no conclusive
research as yet, however, there is speculation that PMS is the result of a hormonal
imbalance.
It has also been suggested
that a deficiency in a particular hormone may be responsible for PMS. Some say it may be
biochemical.
Dietary deficiencies,
including a lack of
vitamin B6
and essential
fatty acids, could be a possible cause. One type of PMS, characterised by headache,
dizziness, heart pounding, increased appetite, and a craving for chocolate, is thought to
be the result of a
magnesium deficiency brought on
by
stress.
Traditional Treatment
A lot of women do not treat
their PMS and live through it. There are treatments which are able to relieve the symptoms
and give you some comfort.
Some doctors prescribe
various hormones to relieve symptoms. This treatment is controversial and may not work
with all women.
Because there are risks
associated with hormonal treatments, many doctors prefer approaches that emphasise a good
diet, regular exercise, and other lifestyle changes such as those described below.
Alternative/Natural
Treatments
A wide variety of
alternative treatments may help relieve PMS symptoms. Try them and see which one works for
your particular symptoms.
Aromatherapy -
To
relieve anxiety and irritability, try
lavender
or
chamomile oil; parsley or juniper oil may also be helpful. Add several drops
to a warm bath. To
relieve anxiety and irritability, try
lavender
or
chamomile oil; parsley or juniper oil may also be helpful. Add several drops
to a warm bath.
To relieve breast
tenderness, try adding 6 to 8 drops of
geranium
oil to a warm bath.
Chinese Herbs -
For relief from PMS symptoms, Chinese herbalists sometimes recommend dong quai, which is believed to help balance the body's
hormones and have a tonic effect on the uterus and other female organs. For relief from PMS symptoms, Chinese herbalists sometimes recommend dong quai, which is believed to help balance the body's
hormones and have a tonic effect on the uterus and other female organs.
Dietary Considerations
Dietary changes have been
shown to effectively reduce PMS symptoms in some women. Try reducing your intake of
caffeine, sugar, salt, fat, honey, dairy products, and white flour, which studies have
shown can sometimes aggravate PMS symptoms. Eat more fresh fruit and vegetables,
wholegrain bread and cereals.
Some PMS symptoms may
improve when
vitamin B6 or magnesium is increased in the diet. Consult an
experienced naturopath.
Some research has indicated
that a dietary deficiency in fatty acids may contribute to PMS. Many women report that
taking
evening primrose oil (Oenothera
biennis), a substance that contains essential fatty acids, is effective.
Herbal Therapies
- Herbalists recommend a wide variety of herbs to help alleviate the many
symptoms of PMS. Among the ones most often used are Chaste tree, Dandelion and
Skullcap.Herbalists recommend a wide variety of herbs to help alleviate the many
symptoms of PMS. Among the ones most often used are Chaste tree, Dandelion and
Skullcap.
Bach Flower Remedies
- To aid anger or irritability take impatiens, willow, beech or the rescue
remedy. If concentration is the problem, take scleranthus during the second half of your
cycle to restore hormone levels. If you feel jealous against a mate or another person try
holly. To aid anger or irritability take impatiens, willow, beech or the rescue
remedy. If concentration is the problem, take scleranthus during the second half of your
cycle to restore hormone levels. If you feel jealous against a mate or another person try
holly.
Homoeopathy -
For
relief from your specific PMS symptoms, consult an experienced homoeopath for
individualised remedies and dosages. For
relief from your specific PMS symptoms, consult an experienced homoeopath for
individualised remedies and dosages.
Lifestyle
- Studies have shown that regular exercise lessens PMS symptoms. Getting
adequate sleep is also important for the successful treatment of PMS.
Personal Care
Stick to a healthy
diet (see above)
Exercise regularly.
Reduce stress and
increase sleep.
Take recommended vitamin
supplements.
Increase relaxation
techniques such as calming hobbies, warm baths with favourite aromatherapy oils in them
(perhaps the ones suggested above), try to get a massage or facial.
Use a hot-water bottle to
ease backaches and muscle aches
Abstain from alcohol
before your period.
When to seek further
professional advice
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