Premenstrual Syndrome
Premenstrual syndrome refers to symptoms that some women feel in the week or two before their period begins. Symptoms usually subside as the period starts. Some women have very mild PMS, while others have severe symptoms. It is estimated that 40% of women experience PMS at some time or other during their fertile years. While PMS is not a disease, it can be debilitating to many women every month.
Symptoms
There are over 150 symptoms of PMS. The most common symptoms of premenstrual syndrome may include breast tenderness, irritability, mood swings, bloating, cramping, muscle aches, fatigue, dizziness, headache and nausea or vomiting. You may also experience food cravings, water retention, upset stomach or swelling in the face and extremities. Some women feel depressed, they may cry unexpectedly or have anxiety or anger. Insomnia also affects some women.
Causes
The causes of PMS are not fully understood, but it is thought to be related to a hormonal imbalance. This can also be affected by vitamin deficiencies, stress, poor diet and more. Eating a more balanced, nutritious diet may help. Get rid of the processed foods, sugar, caffeine, soda and alcohol. You'll be surprised at the difference in how you feel. Regular exercise can help too.
Cautions
If you take oral contraceptives, PMS may be due to the high levels of hormones that are present with these contraceptives. A severe form of PMS, known as PMDD, or premenstrual dysphoric disorder adds some severe symptoms that can be disabling to the people suffering from it, including anxiety, tension, panic attacks, lack of concentration and more.
Herbal Treatments
Internal Applications
- Dandelion this herb helps balance the body and acts as a general tonic. It can reduce bloating often associated with PMS.
- Birch the leaves of this herb help relieve fluid retention that is a common symptom of PMS.
- Black cohosh this herb eases muscle pain and can help lift depression. Take as a tincture or as capsules according to directions.
- Chamomile this herb can help relieve muscle pain and help you relax.
- Dong quai use the tincture or capsules to help reduce monthly cramping.
- Raspberry leaf take this tea daily for cramping relief. This herb tones the female reproductive system.
- Lavender - take to ease stress and anxiety.
- Lemon balm this herb soothes and nourishes the nervous system. Take as a refreshing, light tea.
- Motherwort this herb can relieve headache associated with premenstrual syndrome.
- Chaste tree the berries of this herb are often used to treat PMS and regulate the cycle. This herb should not be taken by pregnant or nursing women. Women taking this herb have had vast improvement in irritability, depression, breast tenderness and headaches. This herb is available as capsules and tincture.
- St. John's wort this herb helps with depression and may elevate serotonin levels in the brain.
- Ginkgo biloba this herb can help reduce breast tenderness.
- Evening Primrose Oil - can relieve breast pain - take in capsule form.