Premenstrual Tension

by Ann Bracken

For thousands of women each month, Premenstrual Tension looms like a dark cloud on the horizon. It promises days of feeling irritable and depressed, accompanied by experiencing cravings for sugar, and physical discomfort or pain. The good news is that there are natural solutions, which will reduce or completely eradicate these unwanted side effects.

Premenstrual Tension is a hormone disorder originating in the brain. Because the symptoms are so varied and seemingly unrelated, it is difficult to diagnose. A woman with PMT has a cyclical pattern, with symptoms appearing around five days before menstruation, which are relieved once the period begins. More than 150 symptoms are known and these vary from mild breast tenderness and irritability, to migraines and severe depression, including violent mood swings.

Natural remedies and dietary changes are effective in balancing the hormones within the body, allowing ‘that time’ to occur smoothly, without being accompanied by a roller coaster of emotions and physical discomfort. Although you may not wish to go skydiving or rollerblading like the women in the Bodyform adds, you will find that PMT will no longer mean PreMenstrual Terrorist to you and your loved ones!

Diet

A diet high in B vitamins is important for those suffering from PMT. B vitamins are important in brain function, turning food to energy and to help protect the nerves. A high level of Vitamins B can be found in dried beans, wholegrains, brown rice, nuts, bulgar wheat, wholemeal pasta and bread, lean meat and fish. B6 are found in bananas, dried beans, wholegrains, brown rice, fish, liver and green leafy vegetables. B12 are in shellfish, white and oily fish, liver, kidneys and red meat.

Supplements

If you are one of those women racing against the clock, in the role of superwoman, with no time to prepare regular wholesome meals, it is worth taking a Vitamin B supplement. Vitamin B supplements are known to reduce bloating and help carbohydrate cravings. They also have an antidepressant effect.

Herbs

The Institute for Health Care and Science in Germany has found that taking dry extract of the Agnus Castus Fruit alleviates the symptoms of PMS. They believe the key lies in the natural compounds in the fruit, which help balance hormone levels. Another recent survey has shown that taking the extract of vitex Agnus Castus daily, over 166 days, alleviated the symptoms of PMS in over 90% of cases. Agnus Castus herb is known for its regulatory action on hormones. Well-known naturopath Jan de Vries suggests “many PMS/PMT sufferers benefit from taking one tablet of female balance, twice a day, along with 10 drops of female essence and taking one evening primrose capsule at bedtime.”

Complementary Therapies

All forms of relaxation alleviate the symptoms of anxiety and help create a balance of energy in the body. Particularly effective therapies for PMT are;- Reflexology – A US study reported in the Journal Obstetrics and Gynaecology in 1993 found reflexology effective in relieving PMS symptoms. Aromatherapy Massage – In addition to being deeply relaxing, massage is beneficial in relieving back pain. Using citrus oils such as lemon, orange or grapefruit with a base oil during massage, helps uplift the mood. Acupuncture – In 1987, the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology published a trial in which 91% of subjects experiencing breast tenderness and abdomen pain, had less after acupuncture. Yoga – Relieves stress, normalizes hormone balance, relaxes muscles and tones the pelvis. It also releases tension in the lower abdomen. Meditation - It is particularly important during these days that you remember to feed the soul. Meditation is another excellent form of relaxation and helps draw on those inner reserves of tranquillity.

Menopause

Menopausal symptoms are similar to those associated with PMS. These are usually treated with Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), although Marilyn Glenville, one of Britain’s leading nutritional experts advises using natural alternatives to remove symptoms effectively. In her book “Natural Alternatives to HRT”, Marilyn details the side effects of HRT including womb cancer, depression, elevated blood pressure, hair loss and vomiting, to name but a few. She suggests a safer natural alternative is through eating a more nutritious diet containing foods that are more wholesome and combining this with herbs and aromatherapy.

Whether you suffer from PMT or from the symptoms of menopause, for any woman in a diet ridden world, it is surely a relief to know that to improve our quality of life and live happier, we are advised to eat our way to health!

Further reading:
Natural Alternatives to HRT by Marilyn Glenville
Natural Alternatives to HRT Cookbook by Marilyn Glenville