Many women treat
premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and other menstrual irregularities as a normal part
of their life. In reality, menstruation should not cause any significant
interruption to your everyday life. If you experienced symptoms of PMS, painful,
heavy or irregular periods, it means that your reproductive system is not
functioning as well as it should be.
Premenstrual Syndrome
(PMS) is the most common female hormonal imbalance, affecting more than 75% of
women at some stage of their lives. PMS normally occurs in the second
half of a woman’s menstrual cycle, between ovulation and the onset of
menstruation. Psychological symptoms of PMS include mood swings, anxiety,
irritability, nervous tension, depression, forgetfulness, poor concentration, fatigue
or even insomnia. Physical symptoms can include weight gain from fluid
retention, abdominal bloating, headaches, libido issues, constipation and/or
diarrhoea.
PMS normally occurs as
a result of imbalances in female reproductive hormones, particularly, low
levels of progesterone throughout the cycle with elevated oestrogen levels
during the second half of the cycle. It can also be related to “bad”
oestrogens and not enough “good” oestrogens. High levels of another
hormone, prolactin may also be involved.
How do you balance your hormones?
You can use a range of
herbs and nutrients to correct hormonal imbalances. Vitex agnus castus
has been shown to assist in the management of PMS symptoms by reducing high
amounts of prolactin and normalising progesterone levels. Vitex can also help
with irregular periods. Vitex can work synergistically with other herbs
to manage painful, heavy or irregular periods and PMS symptoms such as
headaches, sore breasts, fluid retention and abdominal bloating.
If you suffer from
mood swings in the second half (luteal phase) of your menstrual cycle,
bupleurum and peony can be useful.
Other natural
ingredients which may help to maintain a healthy oestrogen balance include:
·
Flaxseed balances good and bad oestrogen;
·
Turmeric which offers
potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity;
·
Folic acid, vitamin B6
and B12, which assist the processing of oestrogen in the body.
Apart from herbs, some
simple changes to your diet and lifestyle can greatly improve your menstrual
cycle:
·
consume a diet rich in
fibre which includes fruit and vegetables;
·
increase the intake of
good fats such as those from nuts, seeds and fish;
·
drink lots of water
(1-2 litres a day);
·
keep yourself active
with regular exercise;
·
stop smoking;
·
reduce excess fat;
·
limit salt and
saturated fat intake; and
·
reduce caffeine and
alcohol consumption.
PMS and other
menstrual irregularities are not a normal part of life. These symptoms
are common but common does not equal normal.
You don’t have to put up with the discomfort or pain. Don’t let
your monthly menstrual cycle hinder your ability to do your favourite
activities and enjoy life! Herbs and nutrients, with the appropriate
dietary and lifestyle changes can let you take charge of your menstrual cycle
again.
