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Dealing with PMS, Naturally

by Dr. Joel Gagnier N.D., M.Sc.,
(Clin. Epi.), PhD (Cand.)

We probe the causes of PMS symptoms and offer natural treatment options.

Natural isn’t so great sometimes. I bet you never thought you’d hear that coming from us, but it really is true when dealing with premenstrual syndrome, or PMS, the disorder that attaches a negative stigma to a woman’s natural menstrual cycle. As most women can attest to, the premenstrual phase is defined by a series of negative symptoms, including decreased energy, tension, irritability, anger, food cravings, depression, headaches, altered sex drive, breast pain, muscle aches, and abdominal bloating. But it really doesn’t have to be this way, so we’ve done our best to get behind the causes of PMS symptoms and offer natural solutions to help you manage these unnatural feelings.

Approximately 90 per cent of menstruating women experience some PMS symptoms. Close to 50 per cent of these women only experience brief, mild, and painless symptoms, while approximately 30 to 40 per cent experience symptoms severe enough to meet a PMS diagnosis. Less than five per cent actually experience extremely severe symptoms that adversely affect their home and work life. These severe cases can be diagnosed as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).

The medical community is still studying the nature of PMS, but there is a strong, current theory that the underlying causes of PMS are triggered by hormonal changes. There are numerous hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle related to progesterones, estrogens, testosterone, and many other hormones and neurotransmitters. It appears there is a strong connection between hormones produced by the ovaries and brain neurotransmitters, and that the cyclical changes in the ovarian steroids estrogen and progesterone cause changes in many body systems, including many brain neurotransmitters (serotonin) and related systems (GABA, adrenergic, opioid), which trigger various emotional and physical symptoms. These symptoms vary from woman to woman, and a particular woman’s exact symptoms are hard to predict.
 
Thankfully, there are various, proven, natural treatment options for PMS:

• Regular aerobic exercise (30 to 60 minutes a day, five days a week) and stress reduction exercise (e.g., relaxation exercises, yoga, tai chi) are very important for preventing PMS symptoms and a good part of a healthy lifestyle.
• A healthy, well-balanced diet is also important, and reducing your caffeine, salt, alcohol, fat, and sugar intake will prevent PMS symptoms.
• There are several Herbal Magic products that are excellent in the effective treatment of cramps, depression, and emotional instability associated with PMS, including Cal-6 + Mag Tab™, Femme-Plus™, and Meno Plus™.
• Finally, take a good daily multivitamin, such as Formula 7001™, to help prevent PMS symptoms.

Find what works for you, and do what you can to get back to feeling natural. PMS doesn’t have to rule your life.

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