Premenstrual Syndrome or PMS

PMS is almost taken as the norm, its only in the last 20 years that it has been recognised as a health problem, until then it was shrouded in the cloak of ‘women’s problems’.

It’s estimated that up to 50% of all menstruating women suffer from one or more symptom of PMS.

Some of the more common PMS symptoms include:

Anxiety, irritability, fluid retention, mood swings, bloating, cramping, menstrual pain, breast tenderness, weight gain, headaches, muscular pain, acne, fatigue, sweet cravings, forgetfulness, weapiness and an overwhelming urge to be angry!

These symptoms can also be symptoms of other conditions, however, PMS is categorised by the fact that the symptoms disappear after the onset of the period.

There are many nutrient and Herbal remedies to help ease PMS symptoms.

Female Multi-vitamin and mineral combinations, rich in essential nutrients particularly the hormonal balancing vitamin B6, Magnesium, Chromium, Iron, and Zinc, which provide a solid basis to support a woman’s health and energy levels daily.

Supper foods such as Spirulina, Wheat grass, and Kelp can all have a detoxifying and balancing affect on the system.

Essential fats have been found to help balance oestrogen levels and reduce symptoms of breast tenderness and mood swings.

Female balancing herbs such as Agnus Castus, Black Cohosh, Cramp Bark, Dong Quai and Damask Rose have been found to help regulate hormones and ease symptoms.

Herbs such as Dandelion and Milk Thistle help to supporting the liver can help to decrease symptoms of excess oestrogen activity, helping to reduce fluid build-up and breast tenderness.

Aromatherapy has shown to be wonderfully balancing for the symptoms of PMT with the essential oils of geranium, clarysage, lavender and chamomile being both emotionally and physically soothing and restoring, either in a massage or when added to bath water.

There are several types of PMS that have very different symptoms. In order to make the classification of PMS easier, Dr Guy Abraham in America devised a system of categories for the different types of PMS symptoms. Its not uncommon to have symptoms in one or more of the categories, but following the nutrient program associated with your main symptom can help you get more balanced and ease the other symptoms that you experience.

The Health Diva