PMS - ALTERNATIVE TREATMENTS

 

Symptoms such as headache, bloating, irritability, depression and fatigue are just a few of those who impact millions of women each month who suffer from premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Contrary to popular medical thinking on the subject, the changes in hormone levels during the menstrual cycle are not completely beyond control of the woman who is willing to be proactive about nutrition and diet.  

 

In Western circles, there are many who make joking comments about the impact of PMS on a woman or women in general.  but PMS is far from a joking matter for those who are suffering from the symptoms.  Up to 80% of women have premenstrual syndrome symptoms during the last few days of their menstrual cycle. Some women will only have some symptoms occasionally, however around ten percent have symptoms each and every month.  About half of those have PMS which is severe enough to lead to general depression.

 

Current thinking indicates that PMS symptoms are more frequently found where the woman's level of blood estrogen is high when compared to the blood progesterone levels.

So, the assumption can and is made by those who deal with alternative treatments that it is not the LEVEL of either of the hormones, but the BALANCE between the two. Two naturally occurring foods are known to improve the balance between hormone levels.  These are soy and licorice.

 

Other herbs and natural remedies which are effective in improving common symptoms of PMS include primrose oil, flaxseed oil, lavender, parley, bee pollen and chaste berries. A Chinese herb known as dong quai is "nature's gift to women."  As a reproductive system tonic for women, it regulates the menstrual cycle and adjusts hormonal imbalances which are believed to be the cause of some PMS symptoms.

 

In addition to an imbalance in the hormone level, PMS may also be worsened by dietary deficiencies of certain vitamins or minerals including magnesium.  Studies of PMS patients have shown that levels of magnesium in the blood are much lower in PMS patients than in other women.  Another nutritional connection which has been found is a high dairy fat and high sugar intake in the diet.  Both of these factors reduce blood magnesium levels.  In order to assist in nutritional requirements supplementing magnesium, calcium, zinc and vitamin B6 is recommended.

Making dietary changes in addition to the consumption of supplements can also assist in preventing the worst symptoms of PMS.  Increasing the intake of Omega-3 levels in the diet by consuming green leafy vegetables and fatty fish which are high in this nutrient has been shown to decrease PMS symptoms.  Eliminating dairy products and meat from the diet and an increase in the consumption of fruits and vegetables has an overall beneficial effect plus relieves discomfort caused by premenstrual syndrome.

Following a routine of drinking adequate water each day and switching to a diet which includes no caffeine and only limited alcohol, combined with techniques such as meditation and relaxation has been shown to have helpful effects in relieving PMS symptoms.