PMS / PMT

Also known as premenstrual syndrome (PMS), this is a common gynaecological disorder affecting many women. US research suggests that nearly two out of every five women, aged between 14 and 50, experience some symptoms of PMS while 10 per cent of women have symptoms severe enough to disrupt their everyday lives. Symptoms – which for some women appear one or two weeks before menstruation while for others it’s a day or so before – vary, but can include:

• Anxiety

• Irritability

• Abdominal bloating

• Backache

• Breast swelling and tenderness

• Sweet cravings

• Acne

• Water retention

• Mood swings

and in extreme cases:

• Depression

• Confusion

• Insomnia

It can often turn kind, thoughtful women into raging dragons. Your wife, mother, sister, daughter, boss, work colleague can for 10 days of the month transform like the hulk into a monster who will scream, huff, puff and growl at the slightest look, word or even email!

So what causes this transformation?

• An imbalance between the brain neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine may also cause PMT symptoms.

• Calcium and magnesium imbalance or deficiency, often resulting from stress.

• Hormonal imbalance. These tiny molecules if imbalanced can play a major role in PMS.  Its usually due to an excess of oestrogen to progesterone levels because of an over-worked liver whose job it is to break down oestrogen; an accumulation of xenoestrogens or excessive oestrogen production. Or a combination of all three.

• Low blood sugar.

• Congested or over-worked liver. The liver is the main organ that deactivates hormones, in particular oestrogen. If overworked, the liver cannot carry out this function properly.

• Chronic stress also stimulates the production of adrenal hormones that affect PMT symptoms such as mood swings.

Herbs

Herbs for PMS work by balancing your hormones, in particular the ratio of oestrogen to progesterone. In addition, herbs help to detoxify the liver so that it operates effectively.

Agnus castus (chaste-tree)

• The single most effective herb for alleviating many of the symptoms of PMS, particularly breast tenderness but also anxiety, irritability, bloating and sweet cravings. It works by reducing the release of prolactin (a hormone produced by the pituitary gland in the brain). Elevated levels of prolactin are implicated in PMT.

Skullcap

• Particularly useful when nervous symptoms are prominent such as irritability, mood swings, nervousness and anxiety.

• An excellent antispasmodic, so helps relieve abdominal cramps.

Dandelion

• Phytosterols in dandelion are thought to have a significant diuretic action that help to relieve PMT symptoms such as bloating and water retention.

• A rich source of nutrients, in particular potassium, which is extremely useful because most diuretics deplete potassium stores.

• Liver cleansing.

Essential supplements

In addition to tackling PMS, these supplements may also help to relieve period pain.

• Magnesium, calcium and B6 Prolactin (a hormone that can produce depression and dysphoria – pain and agitation) levels can be elevated due to low levels of magnesium and vitamin B6. These nutrients stimulate the production of dopamine, which, in turn, limits the release of prolactin. Moreover, this combination is excellent for relief of cramps and period pains. Oestrogen regulates calcium absorption/metabolism and it has been shown that oestrogen fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle may cause calcium deficiency.

• Detox capsules  Help to cleanse the body and, in particular, the liver.

• Essential Fatty Acid  Rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which can help in the synthesis of prostaglandins such as the E1 series (important for the regulation of many bodily processes, including hormonal imbalance in the case of PMS). Research shows that a deficiency in fatty acids such as GLA may contribute to symptoms of PMT.

• Sepia /nux vom/ pulsatilla Helpful when suffering symptoms of irritability, sadness, anger and weepiness.

• Chamomilla, dioscorea, colocynthus mag phos Excellent when experiencing pain and cramps during your period.

 

Important foods

• Salmon or other oily fish – Rich in fatty acids.

• Walnuts – Rich in zinc, calcium, magnesium and fatty acids.

• Pumpkin seeds – Rich in calcium, magnesium and zinc

• Sesame seeds – Rich in calcium, magnesium and zinc.

• Chicken – Rich in B6.

• Green leafy vegetables – Rich in nutrients and magnesium.

• Red, orange and yellow fruit and vegetables – Full of vitamins and minerals beneficial for the system.

• Brown Rice – Rich in calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc and B6.

• Barley – Rich in calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc and B6.

Foods to avoid

• Coffee and tea – Cause further anxiety/stressful symptoms in the body.

• Non-organic meat and dairy – Full of growth hormones and pesticides.

• Alcohol and sugar – Cause magnesium to be lost further.

• Salty/processed food – To reduce water retention.