Premenstrual Tension Syndrome (PMS) | Premenstrual Syndrome Supplements

Premenstrual Tension Syndrome (PMS): A varying constellation of symptoms manifested by some women before menstruation that may include emotional instability, irritability, insomnia, fatigue, anxiety, depression, headache, edema, and abdominal pain. A package of symptoms develops for a week before each menses and passes off at the onset of menses. Symptoms must occur for a minimum of three cycles to fulfill the definition.

Etiology: The etiology of premenstrual syndrome is unknown. It is considered a psychosomatic disorder. Changes in serotonin levels in the CNS are incriminated.

Symptoms:
Women are usually in their third or fourth decade. Some women are thin, while some are obese. Symptoms include breast tenderness, pain in muscles and joints, abrupt mood changes, anxiety, panic attacks, bouts of uncontrollable crying, fatigue, irritation, headache, swollen face and nose, feeling of bloating, and altered sleeping patterns.

The symptoms are related to ovulatory cycles. The chances of PMS are higher in urban, educated women than in rural ones. Thin women should be advised on diet, afternoon rest, and deworming. They should take folic acid capsules or medicine like Lohasav (Pharmacopoeial). Obese women should restrict their intake of rice, potatoes, and sweets.

PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder): It is a severe form of Premenstrual syndrome. Women who tend towards constipation are more prone to problems with PMDD. Such women should, therefore, try to get relief from their constipation.

Herbs To Treat PMDD:

• Chaste berry extract is advisable. It helps to relieve anxiety, headaches, and irritation related to PMDD. Note that chaste berries may interfere with estrogen supplements.
• Evening Primrose oil is advisable as GLA researchers stated that GLA can reduce the symptoms of PMDD. Do not take Evening Primrose oil with Warfarin (Blood Thinner).
• Kava Kava can be used to treat the problems of PMDD, but if the woman has a problem with the kidney or liver, then she should not take it.
• Valerian–officinalis is advisable as it gives sound sleep and relaxation.

Natural Home Remedies:

• Drink lots of water.
• Take multivitamins and mineral supplements.
• Increase the intake of calcium-rich foods like green leafy vegetables, beverages, and nuts like orange juice and almonds.
• Omega 3 fatty acids and vitamin D are advisable.
• Spend more time with people who can give you moral support while feeling nervous.
• If your diet does not contain an adequate amount of nutrients, then you have to take multivitamins and mineral supplements.
• Chamomile tea and peppermint tea are advisable.
• Extract the juice from the crushed leaf pulp of Aloe vera. This juice with honey twice a day helps to give long-lasting relief from the symptoms of PMDD.
• Vitamin E may be useful to reduce fluid retention and cramps. Vitamin E acts as an Antioxidant. Eat foods that include vitamin E or take vitamin E supplements.
• Take Ajwain ¼ teaspoon with warm water.
• Take soybeans or alfalfa seeds and broccoli.
• Take a low-sodium diet.
• Take 1 cup of Pomegranate juice after adding 1 teaspoon of organic sugar and 2 drops of lime juice.
• Take the combination of Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Punarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa), and Trikatu (Combination of Ginger root, Piper, Long pepper, Black pepper).

Avoid:

• Avoid working in a stressful atmosphere as it may aggravate PMS.
• Should not eat foods that may cause constipation.
• Avoid fermented, oily, and spicy food.
• Avoid vegetables like Potato and Brinjal (Eggplant) for 3 to 4 days before the expected date of your period.

Though I have mentioned the quantity of ingredients in some Natural Home Remedies, consult the Ayurvedic Physician for the quantity of ingredients and also for Natural Home Remedies before taking it.