Pre-Menstrual Syndrome - an essential guide

Do you feel some discomfort before or during your periods? Is it interfering with some aspect of your life? Chances are high that you are experiencing Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS).

Don’t worry, you’re not alone!

Out of every four menstruating women, three have experienced premenstrual syndrome symptoms. Women in cities with a sedentary lifestyle are more likely to suffer from PMS symptoms.

What is premenstrual syndrome?

Premenstrual syndrome, or PMS, refers to the range of physical and emotional symptoms that many women experience in the lead up to a period (menstruation).

The premenstrual syndrome symptoms occur in the week or two weeks before your period. The symptoms usually go away after your period starts. It can affect menstruating women of any age. The symptoms are also different for each woman.

The most common symptoms of premenstrual syndrome are:

• mood swings
• feeling depressed, irritable or bad-tempered
• feeling upset, anxious or emotional
• tiredness or having trouble sleeping
• headaches
• changes in appetite and food cravings
• feeling clumsy
• fluid retention and feeling bloated
• changes to skin or hair
• sore or tender breasts

PMS symptoms can vary from month to month, although they tend to form a pattern over time. Between 2 and 4 in 100 women get PMS that is severe enough to prevent them from getting on with their daily lives.

What causes PMS?

The exact cause of PMS is not known. It could be linked to changes in the levels of your hormones and body chemicals. The levels of your hormones change during your menstrual cycle. Some women are more sensitive to these hormonal changes, which can lead to premenstrual syndrome symptoms.

PMS Treatment in homeopathy – Natural and holistic way of correcting your hormonal imbalance

If you experience PMS symptoms, keep track of your symptoms by writing them in a diary or use a calendar (when and how severe they are). Your doctor will then review your diary with you to see whether your symptoms fit the pattern of PMS because all the symptoms cannot be attributed to the condition. Only if there is a rhythmical recurrence of the symptoms, always at the same menstrual phase, then you can be sure that the condition is due to premenstrual syndrome and is the right time to take a treatment.

For hormonal issues in women, homeopathy can be the best solution. Homeopathy offers holistic solutions to help women who have battled the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome for years. Homeopathic remedies for premenstrual syndrome are free from side-effects and non-invasive. This makes the treatment a comfortable process for the patient. Homeopathy works by boosting your natural immunity. The target is to reduce dependence on medicines that are laced with heavy chemicals and strengthen your body to heal naturally.

Self-help tips:

Besides taking PMS treatment, you can ease the symptoms by paying attention to your lifestyle:

• Avoid alcohol and caffeine (including chocolate). Caffeine can worsen PMS pain by contributing to breast tenderness, nervous tension and anxiety
• Start eating an anti-inflammatory diet. Especially eliminate polyunsaturated and trans-fats. They promote inflammation that can worsen premenstrual syndrome symptoms
• Get plenty of omega-3s from salmon, sardines and other cold water fish, freshly ground flaxseed, and walnuts. They help ease cramps
• Get at least 30 minutes a day of aerobic exercise such as walking, bicycling or swimming to improve mood, relieve stress and ease premenstrual syndrome symptoms in general.