Every month something less than half of all women suffer pain, bloating, anxiety to the point almost of homicidal thoughts, and depression to the point of suicidal thoughts. Well, don’t kill your husband, your boss, or yourself. Just realize that the problem is hormonal and do one or two things to level out the hormonal balance. It will not solve all of your problems, but there are treatments that can take the edge off and allow you to function more suitably for that bad week or two a month.
Evening primrose oil, for example, is an approved treatment in Great Britain for PMS. Native American women were ahead on this and chewed the seeds of the primrose to alleviate the symptoms of premenstrual or menstrual stress. Some herbalists recommend taking a capsule of primrose oil a day as a preventative and then increasing the dosage to three capsules once symptoms appear and continuing until the period’s end.
Chinese angelica is also said to work as a preventative measure, but it is not recommended for pregnant women. Angelica may also induce heavier blood flow, so it is not recommended, either, for women who have a heavy flow during menstruation.
For excessive bleeding, try cramp bark, which contains nervine substances that can also relax the uterine muscles and avert cramping. Add some cramp bark to an herbal tea. There are no known side effects to the use of cramp bark. The thyroid gland seems to have some connection to excessive bleeding and it makes sense to treat the thyroid with seaweed and dark green, leafy vegetables.
Fifty to one hundred milligrams of Vitamin B6 a day is reported to help with depression and irritability. Chaste berry as herbs or tinctures can work to regulate the ratio of estrogen to progesterone better than Vitamin B6. However, women who suffer depression with PMS should stay away from chaste berry. Vitamin E is also recommended in dosages of 150 to 200 IUs.
Dropping blood calcium levels contribute to cramping, headache, and depression. Generally, ten days before the onset of the menstrual period, women experience this drop. A daily supplement of minerals is extremely important in managing premenstrual stress; a daily dose of 1200 milligrams of calcium and 200 milligrams of magnesium is usually sufficient.
The drop in blood calcium may be what causes cramping, so eating with that purpose in mind is smart. Use tahini as a spread instead of butter, have yogurt for lunch, and include greens like spinach, parsley, and kale in your dinner menu. Eat foods rich in Vitamins C and E, such as beans, eggs, garlic, and onions.
Small, frequent meals spread throughout the day can work to keep blood sugar levels steady and avert anxiety and edginess. Caffeine and sugar, of course, will do the opposite and you are much better off avoiding both for the two-week period. Also avoid cruciferous vegetables, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and cauliflower. Cruciferous vegetables are sources of natural estrogen and may throw off the hormonal balance.
Increased exercise, such as an hour’s walk three times a week instead of a half-hour’s week will increase production of endorphins to brighten your mood. Some experts say that bright light treatment during early morning and evening can help alleviate PMS-related depression. Arrange a group of bright lights and sit three feet away from it, looking at it on occasion, but not for long stretches. This should be done a week before the period commences.
Otherwise, just keep some perspective, grit your teeth, and remember it will soon be over – until the next time.
Evening primrose oil, for example, is an approved treatment in Great Britain for PMS. Native American women were ahead on this and chewed the seeds of the primrose to alleviate the symptoms of premenstrual or menstrual stress. Some herbalists recommend taking a capsule of primrose oil a day as a preventative and then increasing the dosage to three capsules once symptoms appear and continuing until the period’s end.
Chinese angelica is also said to work as a preventative measure, but it is not recommended for pregnant women. Angelica may also induce heavier blood flow, so it is not recommended, either, for women who have a heavy flow during menstruation.
For excessive bleeding, try cramp bark, which contains nervine substances that can also relax the uterine muscles and avert cramping. Add some cramp bark to an herbal tea. There are no known side effects to the use of cramp bark. The thyroid gland seems to have some connection to excessive bleeding and it makes sense to treat the thyroid with seaweed and dark green, leafy vegetables.
Fifty to one hundred milligrams of Vitamin B6 a day is reported to help with depression and irritability. Chaste berry as herbs or tinctures can work to regulate the ratio of estrogen to progesterone better than Vitamin B6. However, women who suffer depression with PMS should stay away from chaste berry. Vitamin E is also recommended in dosages of 150 to 200 IUs.
Dropping blood calcium levels contribute to cramping, headache, and depression. Generally, ten days before the onset of the menstrual period, women experience this drop. A daily supplement of minerals is extremely important in managing premenstrual stress; a daily dose of 1200 milligrams of calcium and 200 milligrams of magnesium is usually sufficient.
The drop in blood calcium may be what causes cramping, so eating with that purpose in mind is smart. Use tahini as a spread instead of butter, have yogurt for lunch, and include greens like spinach, parsley, and kale in your dinner menu. Eat foods rich in Vitamins C and E, such as beans, eggs, garlic, and onions.
Small, frequent meals spread throughout the day can work to keep blood sugar levels steady and avert anxiety and edginess. Caffeine and sugar, of course, will do the opposite and you are much better off avoiding both for the two-week period. Also avoid cruciferous vegetables, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and cauliflower. Cruciferous vegetables are sources of natural estrogen and may throw off the hormonal balance.
Increased exercise, such as an hour’s walk three times a week instead of a half-hour’s week will increase production of endorphins to brighten your mood. Some experts say that bright light treatment during early morning and evening can help alleviate PMS-related depression. Arrange a group of bright lights and sit three feet away from it, looking at it on occasion, but not for long stretches. This should be done a week before the period commences.
Otherwise, just keep some perspective, grit your teeth, and remember it will soon be over – until the next time.
Here is a rescue remedy for taming your inner dragon:
4 gallons water
1/2 cup lavender flowers
1/2 cup rose petals
1/2 cup chamomile
1/2 cup hops
In a large pot bring herbs and water to a boil then turn off the heat and let stand for 15 minutes. Pour herbs and water directly into the bathwater. Relax and let all of your pain wash away.
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