PREMENSTRUAL SYNDROME 101

 Approximately 75-85% of women experience some emotional and physical symptoms every month a few days prior to their period.

Some of the more common ones are; mood swings, breast tenderness, headache, fatigue, irritability, depression, food cravings, water retention, among many others. 

Several factors contribute to PMS; hormone fluctuations, brain chemicals such as Serotonin, and possibly foods and stress levels. 

What can you do for PMS? 

1. Antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (Paxil, Prozac, and Zoloft) may help with the symptoms, either taken every day or the 2 weeks prior to your period.

2. Anti-inflammatories (Motrin, Naprosyn) can aid in the discomforts associated with PMS. 

3. Diuretics can help with water retention, relieving symptoms. 

4. Birth control pills can help with fluctuating hormones, thereby relieving symptoms. 

5. Limit the amounts of salt, caffeine, alcohol, 

6. Eat foods high in calcium and increase your complex carbohydrates. 

7. Perform routine, daily exercise and practice some form of meditation or yoga. 

Some herbs that may be helpful; 

Black cohosh – This helps with sleep problems, hot flashes, headaches, mood swings. Usually the dose is 250mg. capsule daily. 

Chasteberry – 10 drops in water every morning for cramping.

 Ginger – Ginger helps nausea and fatigue. Drink one cup of ginger tea daily. 

Dandelion – This is a natural diuretic and helps with water retention. Drink 1-3 cups of tea daily. 

Evening Primrose oil – Helps with breast tenderness and cramping. Usual dosage is 250mg. to 500 mg. in a capsule form.