PMS And Premenstrual Strength
Ninety percent of women in their
reproductive years have symptoms before
their periods. Half have mild symptoms
a few days before their periods. The
other 50 percent have symptoms that are
more severe and last longer. Of this
group, 5 to 12 percent will experience
incapacitating premenstrual syndrome or
PMS.
Reasons
- Exposure to pollutants (pesticides,
dioxins) which mimic the action of
estrogen.
- High stress levels, especially from
dual pressure of work and family.
- Woman have many more periods in their
lifetimes and less pregnancies.
Definition
Physical and emotional symptoms 1 to 14
days before period that go away at or
during period and that interfere with
relationships and daily activities.
Symptoms
Physical: Breast swelling and
tenderness, weight gain, abdominal
bloating, constipation or diarrhea,
headaches, sugar and salt cravings,
clumsiness, insomnia, changes in sex
drive.
Emotional: Mood swings, anxiety,
irritability, weeping, anger, rage,
depression, suicidal thoughts, physical
or verbal aggression.
Diagnosing PMS?
Write down your symptoms every day,
rating severity on a scale from 1 to 10
for three months.
If symptoms clustered in two weeks
before period, probable PMS.
Treatment
Diet: Reduce sugar, salt, caffeine,
alcohol. Small frequent meals. Avoid
processed and junk food. Reduce dairy
and meat.
Supplements: Vitamin-B-6, 50 to 200mg
daily. Evening of primrose oil 2 to 6
capsules a day. Vitamin-E 200 to 400 IU
daily. Magnesium 300 to 500mg daily.
Other Treatments:
- Natural progesterone pills,
suppositories or cream. Tryptophan
2,000 to 6,000mg a day helpful for
insomnia, depression, irritability and
mood swings
- Treat yeast infections and food
allergies.
- Check for low thyroid function.
- Take herbs to improve liver function.
Stress Reduction: Counselling and
support. Consult with a sympathetic
doctor. Drugs as last resort.
Positive PMS
- Enjoy increased energy levels, sex
drive and creativity.
- Be more assertive, have the courage to
tell the truth.
- Examine the causes of anger such as
marital problems and get help.
- Take time out for yourself.
- Specify how others can help you.
- Insist others pull their weight in the
household.
