Natural treatments for Premenstrual Tension (PMS)
If you suffer from PMS and dread the week leading up to your period, this article is for you.
I’ve compiled a list of the best herbs and nutrients that can get rid of PMS naturally.
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What is PMS?
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) occurs one to two weeks before menstruation starts and the symptoms usually go away once bleeding commences.
Symptoms of PMS include:
- Mood swings
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Tender breasts
- Fluid retention
- Bloating
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Food cravings
What causes PMS?
Women with high estrogen and low progesterone (estrogen dominance) are more likely to experience PMS.
Estrogen dominance can be caused by impaired detoxification, chronic constipation, hormonal birth control and exposure to xenoestrogens.
Xenoestrogens are compounds found in plastics, fragrances and pesticides that act like strong estrogens in the body.
You can reduce your exposure to xenoestrogens by:
- using natural cosmetics and personal care products whenever possible
- avoid microwaving food in plastic containers
- buying organic whenever possible or washing fruit and vegetables with a produce wash.
If you’d like to check your hormone levels without needing to see a doctor, you can order a test online from Walk-In Lab.
Then all you need to do is visit a local lab at a time that suits you and your results will be available online within one to two days.
Hormone #1 Baseline Blood Test Panel for Women includes
Estradiol, Progesterone, Cortisol, Follicle-stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Testosterone and DHEA,s.
See the hormone tests available here
Some helpful natural treatments for PMS include:
Chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus)
Vitex
helps to restore normal estrogen to progesterone balance by gently increasing progesterone levels.
Vitex should not be taken alongside the birth control pill. [1]
Rhodiola (Golden root)
Rhodiola
prevents the depletion of progesterone by stress and helps the body to deal with stress.
Stress is a major contributor to PMS symptoms.
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 promotes anti-inflammatory prostaglandins and assists with the healthy detoxification of oestrogen.
It’s also involved in the manufacture of the neurotransmitters GABA and serotonin and reduces histamine, which contributes to PMS.
If you’re looking for a high quality Vitamin B6 supplement, I recommend this one
because it contains activated B6, which is much better absorbed than regular B6.
Magnesium
Magnesium helps to calm the nervous system and reduce menstrual cramping.
I like this one
because it contains Magnesium Glycinate, which is easily absorbed.
Ginger
Ginger is an anti-inflammatory herb that reduces PMS, menstrual cramps and helps to regulate the menstrual cycle.
Ginger is also available in capsules
.
Here are two herbal PMS formulas that I recommend:
Balanced Femme Herbal PMS and Menopause Support
helps to relieve PMS symptoms and balance hormones.
It’s particularly helpful for relieving mood swings, bloating, cramping, irritability, anxiety and low energy.
It contains Vitex, Dong Quai, Black Cohosh, Wild Yam, Maca Root, and Red Raspberry Leaf.
Femaprin Vitex Extract
contains Vitex and Vitamin B6.
It helps to naturally increase progesterone, balance the hormones and reduce PMS symptoms.
It’s a good idea to discuss any nutritional supplements or herbal remedies for PMS with your healthcare provider because some supplements and herbs can interact with prescription medications.
I hope these tips will help you to balance your hormones and reduce the symptoms of PMS naturally.
Have you tried any natural remedies for PMS? Let me know in the comments below.
Are you on Pinterest? I have boards dedicated to Natural Treatments for PMS and Hormonal Health that you may enjoy. You can also find me on Facebook.
