There are a number of natural remedies for PMS that could be effective. There is probably no single remedy that will address all of the PMS symptoms that a woman may have. Even prescription PMS remedies do not relieve them all. Women who suffer from several different symptoms often take several different medications, trying to get relief. It is the same with herbal and other natural remedies for PMS. Usually the most effective relief is achieved by using a combination of different herbs or botanicals, with minor lifestyle and dietary changes.
In alphabetical order, the most common PMS symptoms are aggression, anxiety, backaches, bloating, breast tenderness, depression, fatigue, food cravings, headaches, insomnia, irritability, mood swings, overeating, tearfulness, trouble concentrating and weight gain. If you have all of these, trying to find relief may seem impossible. Luckily, most women do not have every single symptom listed here every month. Sadly, some women have more and experience greater severity. Many of the different symptoms are related and most fit neatly into three groups; emotion, appetite and pain.
Bloating is more than likely caused by decreased levels of estrogen, since estrogen is involved in salt and water retention and fluid balance. Natural remedies for PMS that may help with bloating include increasing phytoestrogens in the diet and reducing salt intake. Phytoestrogens are plant components that have an estrogen like effect on the body. Isoflavones, included in some PMS remedies are one type of phytoestrogen.
Some studies indicate that women who eat a diet rich in soy and other plant foods have less PMS symptoms. Foods that are high in sodium and salt cause most women to retain fluid and feel bloated.
Weight gain may either be caused by bloating or overeating. PMS remedies that reduce fluid retention should reduce weight gain if bloating is the cause. If overeating or food cravings are the culprit, another remedy may be necessary.
Some studies indicate that fluctuating hormonal levels may not be the root cause of PMS, since hormone levels naturally fluctuate throughout the cycle. Women who suffer from PMDD, the worst form of PMS, have lower than normal levels of serotonin circulating in the blood stream. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is involved in regulating emotion, sleep and appetite. Low levels of serotonin could increase sensitivity to hormonal changes.
Serotonin taken orally will not reach the brain and relieve symptoms, because of something called the blood/brain barrier. One of the natural remedies for PMS is 5-HTP, which can pass through the blood/brain barrier and be used by the body to create serotonin. PMS remedies that contain 5-HTP can relieve all of the emotional issues, the food cravings, the overeating, the sleep problems, the trouble concentrating and studies have shown that it can relieve migraine headaches, as well. If you are currently taking one of the prescription PMS remedies, such as an antidepressant, check with your doctor before using 5-HTP.
Chasteberry is one of the natural remedies for PMS that specifically addresses the pain of all types that women may experience during this phase of their cycle. Clinical studies have shown that it effectively relieves breast tenderness. It is a natural anti-inflammatory, inhibits COX-2 enzymes, which cause inflammation, without affecting COX-1 enzymes, which protect the lining of the stomach.
That leaves only fatigue. Increasing intake of B-complex vitamins during this time should increase energy, but a good multi-vitamin, along with a healthy diet and regular exercise will do a lot to increase energy levels throughout the month. Another one of the natural remedies for PMS, tribulus terrestris, is used by athletes to increase energy levels. Additionally, tribulus increases levels of DHEA circulating in the bloodstream, which the body uses to create all of the different hormones. Tribulus, chasteberry, 5-HTP and isoflavones are ingredients can only be found together in a few natural remedies for PMS. Most products that you see at the drug store do not contain any of them. Some only contain vitamins, which are important, but are not believed to relieve PMS symptoms. For more information about where to find the best natural remedies for PMS, please visit the Menopause and PMS Guide website.
Patsy Hamilton was a health care professional for over twenty years before becoming a freelance writer. Currently she writes health related informational articles focusing on women?s health. Read more at http://www.menopause-and-pms-guide.com | |
