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Articles > Pre-Menstrual Tension (PMT) can be helped!

Pre-Menstrual Tension (PMT) can be helped!

In ancient times the female body with its innate ability to give birth to new life has inspired awe and wonder. The menstrual cycle reflected the waxing and waning of the moon, ebb and flow and many other natural cycles, the awareness of which connected women and their societies deeply to nature. In many cultures women recognised that a healthy reproductive system was important to general health, vigour and vitality, and great care was taken to tone and strengthen it, mostly in the form of herbs. Nature provides an abundance of herbs to support women, amongst them popular ones like Lady's Mantle, Chaste Tree berries, Calendula, Yarrow, Lemon Balm, Oats, and Cinnamon. These herbs are beneficial when the health of the reproductive system fails, but they are traditionally also used regularly throughout the year for health maintenance in order to increase reproductive health and prevent potential problems.

For many women today the menstrual cycle has become more of a burden than a joy. A combination of a change in emotional meaning, stress, environmental influences, diet and lifestyle factors has resulted in hormonal imbalances which reflect in a rapid increase in PMT. A hereditary predisposition, low thyroid function and a sluggish liver can also upset hormonal balance. When coming off the oral contraceptive pill, it can take several months until natural balance is reached again. PMT is now so common that many women believe it is normal to experience these distressing symptoms.

PMT or PMS (pre-menstrual syndrome) is a result of a hormonal imbalance, mainly thought to be an excess of oestrogen in relation to progesterone. It includes a wide range of symptoms that occur up to about 14 days before a period, and then soon disappear once the period starts.

- Water retention: swollen breasts, weight gain and bloating
- Irritability: mood swings, vulnerability, aggression, sleep disturbances
- Headaches and migraines
- Hypoglycaemia: sugar (especially chocolate!) cravings
- Digestive upsets: diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, vomiting
- Backache and general aches and pains
- Increased tendency to sore throats, boils, herpes
- And finally: a painful period with a dragging sensation in the lower abdomen

There are different classifications of PMT according to the specific combination of symptoms a woman can experience.

A herbal combination of Lady's Mantle, Chaste Tree berries, Calendula, Yarrow, Lemon Balm, Oats, and Cinnamon may be effective for easing pre-menstrual tension, fluid retention, and irritability and to regulate menstrual flow. This includes menorrhagia (excessive flow) and amenorrhea (absence of flow). A full hormone-balancing program takes a minimum of 3 months. Such a program is warranted when experiencing severe PMT, after coming off the oral contraceptive pill or to increase fertility in preparation for pregnancy. This combination is also beneficial for teenage girls and peri-menopausal women. Many women find it beneficial to continue to take this herbal combination it in the second half of the cycle for maintaining hormonal balance.

Whilst medicinal herbs assist the body to get back in balance again, it is equally important to improve diet and make healthier lifestyle choices:

Reduce or cut out refined sugar, alcohol, coffee, tea and chocolate and reduce salt intake. Avoid fatty meats, processed fats and deep fried foods. Avoid additives, preservatives and other food pollutants like herbicides and pesticides as much as possible. Instead, eat plenty of (preferably organic) fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, beans, pulses and unrefined, cold pressed vegetable or seed oils.

A good quality multi-mineral and vitamin supplement, essential fatty acids and 100-300mg of vitamin E can help to address underlying deficiencies.

Stop smoking. Take plenty of exercise and fresh air. It is important to find time to relax (RELAX!). If there are specific emotional issues affecting the healing process it may help to get support from a professional psychotherapist or counsellor.

Improve your digestive system by tackling disturbances like chronic Candida albicans infections or constipation. A sluggish liver cannot break down redundant hormones quickly enough; therefore they build up and cause problems. Regularly drink liver supporting herbs to remedy this problem.