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Please read our Golden Rules of self help before considering the information on this page.
Pre Menstrual Syndrome
We all know about werewolf stories: a gentle person suddenly turns into a murderous beast and then as the moon changes they become a nice person again. Well, millions of women ‘grow fangs', so to speak, once a month. This transformation can last from a day for up to two weeks!
By now many of you are nearly weeping: yes, you know what I am talking about: The dreaded PRE MENSTRUAL SYNDROME. PMS can take many forms: from water retention, food cravings, back ache or tender breasts, to grief, depression, anger and even violence and feelings of suicide, all of which are beyond your control.
Is It Normal?
No it's not normal . Just because it is common does not mean it's normal . YOU are normal, but the problem is not. This means that we can get rid of it. In my 27 years of practice I have seen hundreds if not thousands of women suffering from PMS who are now free of it. In fact I suffered from PMS myself for a short while. I was so bad that I had the week prior to my period marked in my diary and my calendars, so we all knew to ignore whatever I did or said that week. I was a young budding naturopath then and determined to not let hormonal fluctuations control my life. And never did I suffer from PMS again.
What Causes It?
There is not just one thing that causes PMS but there are strong clues. Some women who suffer from PMS find themselves incredibly happy and content when they are pregnant, only to get into deep post-natal depression after the baby is born.
This tells us that progesterone – or shortage of it - has a lot to do with it. You see, during pregnancy the body is flooded with progesterone, a lot of it stored in the placenta which of course is disposed of after birth, leaving you progesterone deficient.
More Bad News
The results of many decades of research and data have indicated that women who suffer from PMS are the ones likely to suffer from Menopausal problems. So girls, no matter your age it really is worth exorcising the hormonal werewolf for the sake of yourself, your family and your future wellbeing.
The Good News
The good news is that it is not really that difficult to re-establish balance. Like everything else you have to put a little effort into it but the results are really worth it. Also remember that you will get better gradually, so don't worry if it takes a couple of cycles.
The Baddies
There are definite foods that have a negative effect on PMS: lollies, biscuits, cakes and all refined carbohydrates. Caffeine, colas, chocolate, alcohol and cannabis should also be avoided. Does this mean you can never have these again? Just avoid them the two weeks prior to your periods during the progesterone build up. Of course when you have PMS you have a tendency to crave the bad foods. The truth is you are not actually craving bad foods, you are craving nutrients ; but your poor body can't exactly email you what it needs so you just give it what shuts it up instantly, like chocolate. So what do you do? Have no Fear: Granny is Here!
The Goodies
Complex carbohydrates are good: wholemeal bread and pasta, brown rice and fruit. You also need more protein and iron, so have small amounts of meat, fish or chicken.. A basic good diet will ensure that you don't get worse and you will stay well in the future but you need a few more things to really hit the werewolf on the head.
The herb of choice is Chaste Tree ( Vitex agnus-castus ) As a tea it is as bitter as hell but it is freely available in health food shops in tablets or liquid extract. Other herbs that are excellent are: Black Cohosh ( Cimicifuga racemosa ), Dong Quai ( Angelica sinensis ), Sage, Skullcap, Licorice, Hops and St Mary's Thistle, follow the recommended dosage on the bottle. You will need to take these herbs for at least three to four cycles; for a whole year in bad cases, with the occasional refresher course. Of course getting a herbalist to make you a herbal mix is preferable.
There are also classic nutrients for PMS. The best known being Evening Primrose Oil, if EPO is going to work it will do so within a couple of months. If after three cycles you notice no difference, give it up.
The other important supplement is Vitamin B6. You need to take 100 mg daily for six months non-stop to be effective.
Other nutrients that are helpful are B1 and E for breast tenderness, Calcium and Magnesium for the nervous system and a B complex in light dose (yeast tablets are perfect for that).
Exercise does help by improving both the circulation and the manufacture of feel-good hormones. Just take it easy the week immediately before menstruation, as exhaustion will trigger PMS. On that week do gentle things like yoga, walking, Tai Chi and meditation.
The Ineffable
All of the above WILL help. But there is one more thing you need to look at. My experience has shown me that some women actually resent the whole ‘women's business' and as long as this resentment lasts so will PMS in spite of all the Chaste Tree and B6 in the world.
Instead, consider that you are part of the wonderful cycle of life: just like the moon waxing and waning so do your hormones. If you respect this state of affairs and make friends with your lunar cycle then you will blossom in the full moon instead of growing fangs.
For a personalised treatment please contact me here.
The information on this website is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. None of the products mentioned on this website are intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
The information on this website is not intended to provide personal medical advice, which should be obtained from a medical professional.
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