Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
It wasn't very long ago that PMS was not recognized as a real problem, but was dismissed as being "all in her head". Now any sign of irritation or anger in a woman often is attributed, wrongly or rightly, to PMS. But PMS is much more than just an excuse for occaisional periods of crabbiness.
At some point in their lives, most women experience some of the symptoms of PMS. By definition, symptoms end with the onset of menses. Symptoms include the well known emotional changes such as irritibility, depression, and tearfulness, as well as physical symptoms including bloating, breast tenderness, acne, headache, fatigue, sugar craving, low back pain, cramps, and nausea. PMS is the result of a complex interplay of hormones and their breakdown products in the body. Because the liver is a very important organ in removing metabolic wastes from the body, it is generally treated in PMS as well as the hormone systems themselves.
PMS can be treated naturally by many different methods. As in all natural medicine, nutrition is very important. A diet high in sugar, refined products such as baked goods and white flour, cocoa and coffee, and high in animal products predisposes many women to PMS. In some women, eating oranges and tangerines can block an important liver enzyme, and lead to the formation of a product which acts to cause irritability and anger. Whole grains, vegetables, fruits, legumes, seeds and nuts, and high quality oils such as flax, evening primrose fish oils and extra virgin olive oil are helpful. Vitamins such as pyridoxal-5-phosphate, the active form of B6, can also be very helpful in the correct dose. Magnesium is often used as well. In severe cases vitamin injections may be helpful.
Many herbs have effects on PMS and the menstrual cycle. Herbs such as milk thistle and dandelion root can be used to tonify the liver. Balancing the female hormones estrogen and progesterone can be accomplished using many different herbs, depending on a woman's needs. Angelica, or don quai is a commonly used female herb, as is raspberry leaf, wild yam, vitex, motherwort and lady's mantle.
Homeopathy can also benefit women suffering from PMS. Sepia is an important remedy for anger and depression premenstrually, with an unwillingness to eat fat, yet craving sweets or salt. Pulsatilla is the remedy for women who become needy, don't want to be left alone, require assurance, and prefer being outside at this time. Nux vomica is used for anger, impatience and low energy. These are only a few of the remedies which are available, and should be tailored to suit an individual woman's symptoms.
Exercise is important, both in general to improve conditioning and health, and to assist with PMS. Exercise can decrease stress levels. Stretches can help with back pain, and cramps. Yoga and tai chi both have particular exercises to balance the reproductive system.
Finally, stress and attitude are very important. In some cultures women are able to take time for themselves, and experience the emotional and physical changes in a positive light. This is very difficult for most women in modern Canadian culture, with its emphasis on doing many things and once and moving very fast. PMS can be a message from your body that it is time to slow down, reflect on your connection to nature and yourself. In its positive aspect, PMS can allow you to access the emotional intuitive side of yourself, and so be in touch with your whole self.
Copyright 2000 Dr. Isis van Loon.