Natural Treatments for Premenstrual Syndrome
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) affects many women during the one to two weeks before menstruation starts.
What is Premenstrual Syndrome? PMS is a name given to a set of hormonal changes that trigger symptoms during the last 2 weeks of a woman's monthly cycle. Usually symptoms will taper off with menstruation and women remain symptom-free until the two weeks or so prior to the next menstrual period. These regularly recurring symptoms from ovulation until menses typify PMS, premenstrual syndrome.
Premenstrual emotional and physical changes occur in nearly 80% of menstruating women. The symptoms vary from woman to woman and from cycle to cycle. Their intensity ranges from mild to incapacitating.
What Causes PMS? Scientists have been unable to identify a single cause of PMS. Theories range from hormonal and chemical to nutritional and psychological. Women whose mother or sisters have PMS are more likely to have it, so there may be a genetic component. A combination of genetic, physiological, and environmental causes are likely. Hormones and Neurochemicals
The physical, emotional, and psychological changes that occur in PMS coincide with hormonal changes of the menstrual cycle. PMS may be a response to declining levels of estrogen and progesterone that occur just prior to menstruation. The exact role of the various hormones are not clear. Some neurochemicals also have been implicated. Hormones and neurochemicals may interact to produce PMS.
Serotonin and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) are chemicals that relay signals from one nerve cell to the next (neurotransmitters). Low levels of serotonin have been linked to depression, and low levels of GABA are associated with anxiety, both symptoms of PMS.
Nutrition Nutrition probably plays a causal role in PMS. Women can alleviate many symptoms by changing their diet. Eliminating certain foods or drinks often reduces symptoms to more tolerable levels. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) afflicts many PMS sufferers. Some researchers speculate that the hypoglycemia is a precursor to PMS. Depression Because depression-related symptoms are prevalent in women who suffer PMS, there may be an underlying psychological condition that causes or contributes to PMS. Approximately 60% of women with depression also have PMS, and more than 30% of women who suffer chronic depression experience their first depressive episode during a time of significant hormonal change (e.g., premenstrually).
Symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome PMS has been characterized by more than 150 symptoms, ranging from mood swings to weight gain to acne. The symptoms vary from woman to woman and cycle to cycle. For some women, the symptoms may be mild or moderate, and for others, they may be so severe as to be incapacitating. Common symptoms of PMS include the following: Sadness Iirritability Mood swings
Breast tenderness
Joint and muscle pain
Anorexia Food cravings
Fatigue Lethargy
Agitation
Changes in sex drive
Clumsiness
Dizziness or vertigo
Nausea
Palpitations
Sweating
Bloating
Weight gain
Oily skin
Natural Treatments for PMS
Treating PMS requires toning and nourishing the liver, endocrine system, and the nervous system. This goes a long way in balancing hormones and reducing symptoms.
Milk Thistle is the most useful ally for the liver. It cleanses the liver, improves liver function, and enhances the liver's ability to metabolize estrogen. It is taken several times daily for three months.
Herbs for Balancing Hormones
Wild Yam contains natural progesterone which has been shown to be effective in alleviating many PMS symptoms, like cramping, headache, mood swings, depression, irritability, and insomnia.
Dandelion root, Hawthorn berries, and Corn Silk are natural diuretics.
Motherwort provides quick, effective relief for anxiety and nervous tension. A couple droppersful of tincture in a little water as needed.
Essential Oils for PMS
Oils For Bloating:
Oils For Irritability:
Oils For Depression:
Oils For Cramping:
Homeopathy for PMS
Calc carb Chilly, sweats easily, clammy feet. Uterine pain, burning in vagina, milky vaginal discharge. Sore breasts. Fearful, worried and timid, keeps very busy. Irritable. Increased sex desire. Low back pain, migraines, palpitations.
Lycopodium Stomach bloating with pains, belching. Worse on waking, 4 p.m., heat. Fatigue, faintness, chilliness. Cold and heavy legs, headache, backache. Sad, weeping, sighing, anxious.Irritable and easily angered.
Natrum muriaticum Sad, anxious and irritable; tears won't come. Dislikes consolation, fuss. Migraines. Palpitations, nausea, vomiting, faintness. Weariness, trembling; twitching and heaviness of eyelids. Hypoglycemia. Craves salt, water. Worse: warm room, sun. Better: open air.
Pulsatilla Chilliness, yawning and stretching; Vertigo, dim vision. Burning-discharge. Depressed, weepy, sensitive, desires sympathy. Snappish, demanding. Stomach pain with acid reflux. Worse: heat, evening, fats. Better: open air, gentle motion, after crying Professional Formulas Native Remedies makes a wonderful premenstrual syndrome remedy that is very effective for treating PMS.
The information on this web site is intended for educational purposes only, and not as any form of medical advice. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider.
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