A number of jokes and cartoons surface when searching the Internet for information on premenstrual syndrome (PMS), but for many women PMS is no laughing matter. About 80% of menstruating woman will have PMS symptoms and 5% of these women will be incapacitated on a monthly basis for severe symptoms. There are a wide variety of symptoms associated with PMS, including – bloating, irritability, forgetfulness, insomnia, headaches, fatigue and increase in appetite, to name a few.
What causes PMS?
There are a variety of factors that can cause symptoms of PMS –
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Nutrient deficiencies – especially B vitamins, essential fatty acids and magnesium
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Hormonal dysregulation – particularly estrogen, progesterone, prolactin and thyroid hormones
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Stress – exacerbates hormonal imbalance because of an increase in cortisol
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Blood glucose irregularities – causing mood swings, bloating, etc…
How to treat PMS naturally?
Working on your foundation of health is the first step in dealing with PMS. This means making sure you are eating a clean diet, getting at least 8 hours of sleep per night, drinking the right amount of water for your activity level, practicing stress management and getting regular exercise. Some more specific treatments for PMS while you are working on your foundation consist of:
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Botanical medicine – these can be helpful for symptom relief and balancing hormones
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Vitex agnus-castus
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Cimicifuga racemosa
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Passiflora incarnata
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Withania somnifera
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Paeonia
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Supplemental nutrients
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B vitamins – particularly vitamin B6
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Essential fatty acids, evening primrose oil
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Magnesium
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Dietary guidelines
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Increase –
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Fruits and vegetables
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Cold water fish
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Nuts and seeds
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Decrease –
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Processed foods
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Salt, sugar, fat
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Caffeine
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Homeopathy
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Specific homeopathic medicine that matches your unique symptom picture and personality
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Your menstrual cycle need not be a time for joking, but a time for reflection and introspection. Simple changes to your lifestyle and perhaps a few supportive nutrients and botanical or homeopathic medicines can make a big difference with your monthly cycles. Consider making an appointment with a naturopathic doctor to discuss specific treatments tailored for you.