Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Women who have premenstrual syndrome (PMS) experience a variety of physical and emotional symptoms that occur each month from two to 14 days before their menstrual cycle.

The symptoms usually disappear once the cycle begins. PMS may begin at any age, and ends after menopause. Approximately 75% of women experience PMS to some degree, with 20% to 50% have symptoms disrupt their daily activities, and 3% to 5% have symptoms bad enough to render them incapacitated.

The exact cause of PMS is unknown, but the most popular theories include:

  • Hhormonal changes (estrogen excess or progesterone deficiency)
  • Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
  • Vitamin B6 deficiency
  • Abnormal metabolism of prostaglandin (hormone-like substances)
  • Excessive fluid retention
  • Endorphin (a substance in the brain that provides pain relief) withdrawal.

Home Remedies for Premenstrual Syndrome

Symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome are

  • Abnormal bloating and weight gain
  • Breast swelling, tenderness
  • Mood swings
  • Depression and anxiety
  • Skin disorders (acne breakouts)
  • Changes in appetite, food cravings
  • Changes in interest in sex
  • Headaches, backaches, cramps
  • Inability to concentrate, loss of interest in usual activities, confusion

Supplements

Many believe that vitamin and mineral deficiencies play a factor in premenstrual syndrome. Here are the vitamin supplements that can be beneficial in the prevention of PMS:

  • Vitamin B6 (100 to 200 mg a day) with B-complex (50 to 100 mg a day) Magnesium (400 mg a day) Vitamin E (400 to 600 IU a day), especially with breast tenderness. Essential fatty acids: omega-3 and omega-6 (3,000 to 4,000 mg a day for three months, then decrease the dose by 1,000 mg every two months) Chromium (250 mg one to two times per day) to reduce sugar cravings.

Herbs

  • Chaste tree (Vitex agnus castus) (175 mg a day)
  • Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) (100 to 600 mg a day)
  • Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) (150 to 300 mg one to four times a day, or before bed) or kava kava (Piper methysticum) (200 mg one to four times a day, or before bed). Reduce the dose if drowsiness occurs.)
  • Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) (200 to 600 mg a day
  • Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) root, and/or leaves as a tea or tincture, can be used as a diuretic.
  • St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) (300 mg two to three times per day) for depression associated with PMS. This must be taken consistently throughout the month, not just when premenstrual symptoms are present.

Herbal Teas and Tinctures

Herbs for PMS, though available in pill form, work best as teas or tinctures. The normal dosage for teas is one heaping tsp. steeped for 10 minutes in a cup of water.

Chamomile tea is a good remedy for intense menstrual pain, It is very appropriate for individuals who are extremely irritable, angry, and have frequent mood swings. Colocynthis helps with cramps that are relieved by bending forward, abdominal massage, and warmth.

  • Magnesia phos — works well on sharp cramps that are relieved by bending forward, abdominal massage, and warmth but are worsened by cold air.
  • Nux vomica — Helps those who are extremely irritable, confrontational, and feel nauseous.
  • Pulsatilla — for irregular periods with cramps, bloating, and/or mood swings and may help nausea and water retention.
  • Sepia — Helps those who have bloating, mood swings, constipation, drowsiness, and irritability.

Reduce Stress

Web MD reports that stress may be a risk factor for PMS. Reducing stress with yoga, exercise, or meditation may help stop or reduce the severity of PMS symptoms.