PMS, PMT, Premenstrual Syndrome by Jane Thurnell-Read

A study has found that 84% of UK women suffer from premenstrual syndrome (PMS). What a dreadful figure! Add to that the misery that their partners and children may experience and you have a truly horrific amount of misery caused by PMT.

Many years ago I suffered very badly from PMS, and it completely dominated my life. Every month was divided up like this:

• 7 days of PMS – bloating, tiredness, self-hatred, extreme irritability etc.
• 7 days of remorse for all the horrible things I’d said and done while under the influence of my hormones
• 7 days of feeling OK
• 7 days of feeling apprehensive about the time for PMS coming round again

So what can be done about PMS? Nutritional support works really well for a lot of women.

Vitamin B6: this member of the vitamin B complex family works by helping to normalise the hormones involved in PMS. It assists the liver to process oestrogen and increases progesterone levels. All the different B vitamins work together, and taking one on its own can lead to deficiencies in the others, so it is always advisable to take the full vitamin B complex.

Evening Primrose Oil: this often helps the breast tenderness and carbohydrate craving associated with premenstrual syndrome. Evening primrose oil is also often beneficial if you suffer from dry skin, eczema or psoriasis.

Magnesium: this can help improve mood, reduce tiredness and help restlessness and insomnia. A study found that 7 out of 10 UK women were short of this important mineral. In fact magnesium (and zinc) are the most common mineral deficiencies in the UK population. 

St John’s Wort: known as the natural alternative to anti-depressants, St John's Wort could well be the one for you if your main PMS symptoms are depression or anxiety.

All of these supplements are best taken regularly throughout the month.

Another possibility that works well for a lot of women is to use a herbal wild yam cream. This is applied on the skin, and is designed not as a beauty treatment but for its therapeutic benefits. Great if you hate taking tablets. Wild Yam And Soya Cream contains the wild yam herb (Dioscorea villosa), and fermented soy and geranium oil. The wild yam and soy work to normalise the hormonal disturbances. Geranium Oil is a lovely warming fragrance and very feminine, and has a long tradition amongst aromatherapists as being useful for hormonal fluctuations. Users of this cream also report that it boosts their energy levels. This cream is also great for menopausal women and for women suffering from post-natal depression or endometriosis. You apply a small amount to pulse points (wrist, elbows, knees) or your tummy twice a day.

Some women also benefit from flower remedies either in addition or instead of nutritional supplements. The Australian Bush Essence Woman can be extremely helpful. A combination of flower essences from Billy Goat Plum, Bottlebrush, Bush Fuchsia, Crowea, Five Corners, Mulla Mulla, Old Man Branksia, Peach-flowered Tea Tree and She Oak. The normal dose is 7 drops morning and night. This remedy can help with mood swings and feelings of physical dislike.

An alternative could be the Australian Bush Essence Calm And Clear. As the name suggests, it can help you to relax, have fun, wind down and enjoy a more balanced life. This bottle is a combination of flower essences from Black-eyed Susan, Boronia, Bottlebrush, Bush Fuchsia, Crowea, Jacaranda, Little Flannel Flower and Paw Paw.

Are you now feeling overwhelmed by the choices I’ve offered? Firstly, don’t try to decide what to use when you’re in the middle of a bout of PMS – at that time your ability to make rational decisions may be impaired. Secondly you could try everything together, although if you are limited financially you may not want to do this.

So how to decide? Re-read what I’ve written and see if you’re drawn to a particular remedy or combination.  If not or you don’t like this intuitive approach, think about it logically.   If you’re symptoms are mainly physical, think about trying nutritional supplements first. In my explanation of the different nutritional supplements I’ve tried to include some indicators as to which physical symptom each supplement is most likely to help. If your symptoms are more mental and emotional, consider the flower remedies. If you get both, try both together. If you don’t like the idea of taking things, try the cream. It has a beautiful smell and is a great pleasure to use.

Whatever you do, don’t put up with premenstrual tension. There is almost certainly a natural product or combination of products that can help you feel a whole lot better.

2008 Copyright Jane Thurnell-Read