Pre-Menstrual Syndrome

Are you too suffering from Pre Menstrual Syndrome (PMS)?

Sparing a few blessed ones, a large number of the women suffer from mild PMS. According to a study this figure stands at around 40 per cent and is most common in women over 30 years of age. In some women, the onset of symptoms seems to coincide with ovulation and may then persist until menstruation commences. In some rare cases, relief from the premenstrual syndrome may be obtained only with the cessation of the menstrual flow.

Premenstrual syndrome is not a disease but refers to a variety of symptoms which occur before onset of menstrual cycle.

How does Pre Menstrual Syndrome (PMS) effect you ?

Most common symptom of PMS is headache which is often accompanied by vomiting.

Patient may feel irritable and depressed in general during this time period. What is worse, these symptoms intensify progressively, making the last day of the PMS the worst.

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of PMS, which may have more severe symptoms, some of which can be disabling - Anxiety, Tension, feelings of sadness or despair, Panic Attacks, Mood Swings, Crying, Lack of Concentration etc.

PMS patient may also suffer from mild to acute breast tenderness or slight pain. There may also be abdominal bloating, accompanied in some cases, by odema of the ankles and hands. Resorting to dieting to get rid of the abdominal bloating only leads to fatigue and depression.

Some of the other common symptoms are dizziness, backache, hoarse voice, greasy hair, acne and allergic reactions.

PMS patients may show a slight weight gain due to salt and water retention during menstruation. The retention of fluid is partly due to ovarian steroids, but there is also an increased output of antidiuretic hormone from the posterior pituitary gland.

What are the underlying causes of PMS?

Some research has shown that deficiency of the hormone progesterone may result in PMS but this has not yet been satisfactorily proved.

Primarily evidence that a brain chemical called serotonin plays an important role in PMDD.

Emotional stress can often contribute to the symptoms.

It has been concluded in a research undertaken at John Hopkins University School of Medicine, London that dietary deficiencies, particularly that of vitamin E and vitamin B6 or pyridoxine are the most common causes of PMS.

How is Premenstrual Syndrome usually treated?

Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or naproxen may help ease cramps, headaches, backaches, and breast tenderness.

In more severe cases of PMS, prescription medicines may be used to ease symptoms. One approach has been to use drugs such as birth control pills to stop ovulation from occurring. Women on the pill report fewer PMS symptoms, such as cramps and headaches, as well as lighter periods.

These methods are mostly temporary and don't provide long-term solutions.

What are the Herbal Remedies for PMS?

Traditionally, Vitex (Chaste tree, Monk?s pepper) has been used for controlling Menstrual Disorders. The part used is the vitex stem. Vitex stem acts upon the pituitary gland?specifically on the production of a hormone called luteinizing hormone (LH), which indirectly increases progesterone production and helps regulate the menstrual cycle. Vitex is taken orally in form of capsules or liquid, depending on the available product.

Tea made up of Yarrow plant is also traditionally considered very beneficial. It has anti-inflamatory properties and helps in menstrual disorders. Tea can be prepared by boiling yarrow leaves in water for 10-15 minutes. It can be taken 2-3 times in a day to get relief.

Dashamoola: is an ayurvedic composition of ten roots for treatment menstrual disorders.It has an anti-inflammatory effect and is considered vey effective in bronchitis, cough, headache, weakness, drowsiness and digestive problems. It is available in different forms - tablets or liquid(wine made from these herbs).

Cinnamom: is traditionally recommended to get relief from menstrual cramps. A teaspoon of cinnamon can be taken with a glass of warm milk.

Diet and Lifestyle recommendations:

Many things have been tried to ease the symptoms of PMS. No treatment works for every woman, so you may need to try different ones to see what works. If your PMS is not so bad that you need to see a doctor, some lifestyle changes may help you feel better. Below are some lifestyle changes that may help ease your symptoms.

Oral contraceptives may cause fluid retention and lowering of plasma levels. If this is the case, these should be avoided.

Diet plays a significant role in preventing premenstrual syndrome. The patient should avoid refined carbohydrates, sugars, coffee, tea, tobacco, other stimulants, oily, fried or spicy food and follow a vegetarian diet. Smoking should be avoided at all costs.

Women suffer for constipation often accompanied by PMS. It is essential to cure this problem first. Constipation can be relieved by liberal intake of seasonal fruits and vegetables and fibrous meals. Triphala powder, Psyllum husk or both together can be taken with lukewarm water in morning and before sleeping for long-term relief from constipation.

Hip baths are recommended as an effective remedy for PMS. This will relieve congestion and inflammation of the uterus and the connected organs. Tension will also be dissipated with this treatment. Hot foot baths followed by a cold compress to the lower abdomen and the inner surfaces of the thighs also help to relieve uterine congestion and tension.

Alternatively, a wet girdle pack applied twice a day on empty stomach is very beneficial for clearing up uterine congestion and improving bowel functions. All these treatments should be suspended during the menstrual flow.

Mild Excercises like brisk walks and abdominal exercises-which are good for strengthening the abdominal muscles and pelvic organs. Several yoga positions especially those recommended for strengthening the genito-urinary system and overcoming PMS. These asanas are bhujangasana, shalabasana, vajrasana, paschimotanasana, ardhamatsyendrasana and trikonasana.

Accupressure techniques, specially manipulation on the middle portion of the left foot which relates to the uterus and vagina will help to correct the disorder of the uterus.

PMS symptoms agravate with emotional imbalance. Hence it is important to keep mental poise. Negative mental attitudes like fear, worry, anger, jealousy, tension and inferiority complex should be eliminated by positive thinking, meditation and good company. A variety of yoga books and CDs are available for this purpose.


Author Resource:- Dr. Parveen Gupta writes articles on Natural Remedies, Ayurvedic Cures, Health & Beauty tips. For details, please visit his site at www.Nature-Ally.com or for any other feedback,feel free to write to him at doctor@nature-ally.com

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