-IBIS-1.7.6-
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reproductive system
Premenstrual syndrome
Integrative Therapies
Home Care
The signs of premenstrual syndrome can start 1 to 14 days prior to your menstrual period. Common signs and symptoms are depression, irritability, anxiety, and mood swings. Other symptoms include breast tenderness, bloating, and either constipation or diarrhea. Some women experience headaches, swelling of the joints, and intense cravings for sweets or salty foods.
PMS is related to an imbalance in the hormone levels of estrogen and progesterone. If your symptoms are not related to the menstrual cycle, please see your physician.
THE FOLLOWING SUPPLEMENTS CAN BE TAKEN UNTIL SYMPTOMS IMPROVE:
1. Vitamin B-complex 50 milligrams once a day.
2. Additional vitamin B6 100 milligrams once a day, taken 10 days before the menstrual period.
3. Calcium and magnesium supplement 500 milligrams of each per day.
4. Vitamin E 600 Units per day.
5. Beta-carotene 50,000 to 100,000 Units per day. Pregnant women (or women who may become pregnant) should not take more than 15,000 Units of Beta-carotene a day.
6. It is important to include certain essential oils in your diet. Take either 1 to 2 tablespoons a day of Flaxseed oil or 2 capsules a day of Evening Primrose or Borage oil.
THE PROPER DIET FOR PMS WILL INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:
1. Avoid or cut down on caffeine such as in coffee, tea, sodas, and chocolate.
2. Avoid sugar and sweets such as candy and pastries.
3. Decrease the fats in your diet such as dairy products, fried foods, and red meats. Estro-gens, used as fattening agents, have been found in commercial red meats, so as much as possible, eat organic meat, fish, or chicken.
4. Increase your consumption of fresh vegetables, and eat at least 1 cup per day. Eat at least 2 pieces of fruit and 1 cup of whole grains, such as oatmeal or brown rice, per day.
5. Some women find that eating small meals, often, can greatly help in relieving symptoms.
HERBS USED FOR PMS:
1. Licorice Make a tea of 1 teaspoon dried Licorice Root per cup of water. Simmer for 5 minutes. Steep 10 minutes. Drink at least 3 cups per day. Licorice can also be used as a tincture, which is a liquid herbal extract. Take 30 drops 3 times a day. You can also use 2 capsules of the dried herb 3 times a day.
2. Milk Thistle Chew 1 tablespoon of seeds until soft enough to swallow once a day or take 2 capsules twice a day. You can also grind the seeds in a blender before chewing.
3. Use a combination of the following herbal tinctures:
Angelica sinensis, also called Tang Kuei
Dioscorea, or Wild Yam
Blue Cohosh
Use 60 drops of this mixture in a little water 3 times a day. It can also be taken in tea form.
HOMEOPATHY:
Sepia 30C: Useful for depression, irritability, or for indifference to family members or close friends. Symptoms are worse before the period. Dissolve 3 pellets under the tongue once a day.
Pulsatilla 12C: For extreme mood changes and weepiness. Dissolve 3 pellets under the tongue twice a day while the sypmtoms are present.
Note: A wide range of homeopathic medicines can be helpful for women experiencing premenstrual syndrome. Consultation with a health care professional trained in homeopathic prescribing will usually be the best way to select the correct medicine.
ANOTHER USEFUL MEASURE IS:
Regular physical exercise throughout the month for 30 minutes, at least 3 times a week.
Clinic
Footnotes
BarShalom R, Soileau J. (eds.) Natural Health Hotline. Beaverton, OR: Integrative Medical Arts, 1991-1999.